President Donald Trump’s clout with Republican voters was put to the test in Tennessee Thursday, as voters headed to the polls for the state’s first primaries under a newly redrawn congressional map designed to bolster Republicans’ chances of expanding their thin majority in the U.S.House this fall.The night delivered a split verdict for Trump in two of the state’s closely watched Republican House primaries.
Trump-backed state Sen.Brent Taylor captured the GOP nomination in the newly redrawn 9th Congressional District, while former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher toppled Trump-endorsed incumbent Rep.
Andy Ogles in the 5th District. Taylor’s victory sets up a November showdown against AOC-backed progressive state Rep.Justin Pearson, one of the so-called "Tennessee Three" lawmakers who gained national attention after he was expelled following a gun control protest in 2023.Elsewhere, Sen.
Marsha Blackburn captured the Republican gubernatorial nomination, putting her on course to potentially become Tennessee’s first female governor and eventually create an opening for another U.S.Senate appointment.SQUAD-BACKED ‘TENNESSEE THREE’ LAWMAKER WINS HOUSE PRIMARY IN NEWLY REDRAWN DISTRICTSen.
Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., on Capitol Hill.(Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)"From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Tennessee! One year ago, we set out on this journey with one goal: to make Tennessee America's conservative leader and show the nation what strong, bold, conservative leadership looks like," Blackburn said following her win Thursday night.
"I am humbled and honored that you've chosen me as your Republican nominee for Governor.Together, we've taken a major step toward that goal.
I won't let you down.On to November."Ogles’ defeat was a glaring setback for Trump on the night.
The president threw his support behind the conservative House Freedom Caucus member and stepped in as the race tightened, praising Ogles as a strong businessman a...