Tennessee Governor Bill Lee (R) endorsed Charlie Hatcher (R) on Tuesday, August 5, 2026, in the GOP primary for the state's 5th Congressional District. Hatcher is challenging incumbent Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), who has the endorsement of former President Donald Trump.

In a video posted by Hatcher on Facebook, Lee said, “Charlie Hatcher and I have been friends for 25 years. I’m a cattleman, he was our veterinarian.” Lee also noted that Hatcher served as Tennessee’s Commissioner of Agriculture from 2019 until last year and has “stood with” President Trump “since day one.”

Hatcher expressed that he was “deeply honored” to receive Lee’s endorsement. Lee is term-limited and cannot run for reelection this fall.

Despite Hatcher’s pledge to support Trump’s agenda if elected to Congress, Trump endorsed Ogles, who is seeking a third term in the Middle Tennessee district. Trump praised Ogles during a July 28 tele-rally, calling him “a terrific guy.”

According to VoteHub, Ogles voted in line with Trump 100 percent of the time last year, aligning with the majority of House Republicans. However, Ogles has drawn controversy for remarks made in March, stating that Muslims “don’t belong in American society,” comments he later doubled down on.

Early voting for the primary ended on Saturday, August 1, 2026, with Thursday, August 6, 2026, as the final day to cast ballots.

Sources

The Hill