- Representative Andy Ogles of Tennessee, a fervent ally of Donald Trump, lost a Republican primary on Thursday night, despite a tele-rally and other gestures of support by the president.
- The Invest in Tomorrow Coalition super PAC spent roughly $2 million opposing Ogles and supporting Hatcher, and has raised $6.7 million this year.
- First elected in 2022, Ogles was defeated by Charlie Hatcher, a dairy farmer, veterinarian and former state agriculture commissioner, in a new district that had been created after the US Supreme Court ruling that drastically limited the use of the Voting Rights Act to create predominantly Black or Hispanic election districts.
- Ogles attributed the spending to groups upset about losing government subsidies: "When you have a group spending roughly $2 million in a Republican primary, that tells you how much money they're making off of government subsidies, and they're upset that the government welfare has been taken away from them."
- A Fox News Digital review of FEC filings found the super PAC is bankrolled by Chris Larsen, a California-based billionaire and chairman of Ripple, a financial technology company. Larsen is a frequent Democratic donor, having contributed $5,444,975 to support a failed presidential campaign.
- Ogles said his defeat was due to his closeness to the president and his outspokenness: "It's because I'm close to the president. It is because I am outspoken. And quite frankly, it is because I speak plainly on these issues."
- Hatcher emphasized his farmer common sense and support for the Trump Administration and Speaker Johnson: "I think there’s something missing in Washington. There’s a lack of farmer common sense. There’s a lack of work ethic. One of my strengths is problem-solving, looking for solutions, looking for collaborations and supporting the Trump Administration and Speaker Johnson on their agenda."
- Senator Lee endorsed Hatcher, citing his service as commissioner of agriculture and his conservative values: "He served as my commissioner of agriculture; I know Charlie. I know his conservative values and how much he loves our country. Charlie has stood with President Trump since day one."
- Trump praised Ogles, calling him "one of the best congressmen" and a "great help" and "source of inspiration" to many in Congress.
Andy Ogles, a staunch supporter of Donald Trump, was defeated in the Tennessee GOP primary by Charlie Hatcher, a dairy farmer and former state agriculture commissioner. This unexpected loss occurred despite Ogles receiving direct support from Trump, including a tele-rally.13
Hatcher's victory was bolstered by significant financial backing from the Invest in Tomorrow Coalition super PAC, which spent approximately $2 million to oppose Ogles. The PAC is funded by Chris Larsen, a billionaire and frequent Democratic donor, indicating a strategic investment in the Republican primary to influence outcomes.245
Ogles expressed frustration over the super PAC's involvement, stating, "When you have a group spending roughly $2 million in a Republican primary, that tells you how much money they're making off of government subsidies..." He attributed his loss to his close ties with Trump and his outspoken nature on various issues.
Hatcher, who emphasized the need for "farmer common sense" in Washington, received endorsements highlighting his conservative values and commitment to Trump’s agenda. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee praised Hatcher, stating, "Charlie has stood with President Trump since day one." Meanwhile, Trump had previously lauded Ogles, calling him "fantastic" and a source of inspiration in Congress.
This primary outcome reflects the complex dynamics of party loyalty and financial influence in contemporary politics.
“The Invest in Tomorrow Coalition super PAC, bankrolled by Ripple chairman Chris Larsen, spent roughly $2 million opposing Ogles. Ogles attributed the loss to his closeness to Trump, saying, "It's because I'm close to the president."”
Fox News
