Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has endorsed Charlie Hatcher, a former state Agriculture Commissioner, in his Republican U.S. House primary challenge against the incumbent U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles.
Lee announced his support for Hatcher in a video Tuesday, stating, "Charlie Hatcher and I have been friends for 25 years." He added that Hatcher "served as my commissioner of agriculture for seven years" and that he "knows his conservative values and how much he loves our country."
Hatcher, who is running against the Trump-endorsed Ogles, stated in a Facebook post that he was honored by the governor's endorsement. "Bill and I have known each other for decades, and I have tremendous respect for his faith, his leadership, and his commitment to serving the people of Tennessee," Hatcher wrote. He also noted his service in Lee's administration.
Ogles, who has served in the House of Representatives since early 2023, received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump last year. Trump described Ogles as a "Conservative Warrior."
Gov. Lee's endorsement came shortly before the August 6th primary, though early voting in the contest had already concluded.
