GOP's Andy Ogles faces primary test Thursday evening

Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., a Trump-backed conservative firebrand, will face a primary challenge on Thursday evening against former state Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher.

Gov. Bill Lee, R-Tenn., has thrown his support behind Hatcher, who has heavily emphasized his farming background during the campaign. Hatcher has insisted he is a supporter of President Donald Trump, making for a curious dynamic as he attempts to oust a Trump-backed incumbent.

Ogles, for his part, has been an immigration hawk, introducing the Assimilation Act to crack down on abuse of the legal visa system and non-citizens receiving welfare.

He recently announced articles of impeachment against a federal judge who moved to block the Trump administration from ending temporary protected status (TPS), despite the Supreme Court giving them the green light.

Polling has suggested Ogles holds the lead, but large portions of the electorate were undecided. A pro-Hatcher PAC released data in the final week of the campaign showing Ogle with 37% to Hatcher's 33%, with 30% undecided, according to the Nashville Banner.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.