Two Trump Endorsees Down in Days: Michigan, Tennessee

Two Trump-endorsed congressional candidates lost their Republican primaries within days of each other, breaking what had been an unusually strong endorsement win rate for the president this cycle.

In Michigan's 8th District on August 4, Trump-endorsed Amir Hassan lost to Thomas J. Smith, 50.4% to 33.2%.

In Tennessee's 5th District on August 6, Trump-endorsed incumbent Rep. Andy Ogles lost to Charlie Hatcher, roughly 53.2% to 46.8%.

Michigan: A Candidate Who Had Quit

Smith, a retired GM engineer and co-owner of Jar Head Salsa, had suspended his campaign around July 16-18, after Michigan's ballot deadline had passed, and endorsed rival Al Lemmo instead.

Yet his name remained on the ballot and he won anyway.

He raised just $1,850 and ran no ads, compared to Hassan's $700,000-plus campaign and a rally appearance alongside Trump.

Tennessee: Redistricting Undercuts an Incumbent

Ogles lost after Tennessee Republicans redrew his district in May 2026, replacing about 83% of his old voters with rural, farming-heavy counties.

Challenger Charlie Hatcher, a veterinarian and former state Agriculture Commissioner, ran on a "Hire a Farmer" message that resonated in the new territory.

Different Paths, Same Result

The two races diverged sharply in cause, Smith's win came largely from residual ballot presence and apparent resistance to Hassan's candidacy, while Hatcher's reflected a redistricting shift, plus Ogles' personal controversies.

Both left Trump's endorsed candidates on the losing end in back-to-back House primaries.

What's Next

Smith will face Democratic incumbent Kristen McDonald Rivet in a Lean Democratic Michigan district.

Hatcher will face Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder in a Tennessee district rated solidly Republican, making Hatcher the heavy favorite to flip the seat in November.