Tennessee governor bucks Trump, endorses against Ogles in primary
Tennessee's Republican governor has backed Charlie Hatcher in a competitive primary race for a U.S. House seat, where Hatcher is challenging incumbent Congressman Andy Ogles for the party's nomination in the state's 5th Congressional District. Lee explained his decision by highlighting their quarter-century personal relationship, framing the endorsement as an act of loyalty to a long-standing friend rather than a policy-driven choice.
- Tennessee Republican Gov. Bill Lee endorsed challenger Charlie Hatcher over incumbent Rep. Andy Ogles in a GOP primary for the 5th Congressional District
- Lee cited their 25-year personal friendship as the basis for his endorsement
- The gubernatorial support for a primary challenger reflects an internal Republican party divide