Trump-backed anti-Muslim Congressman suffers defeat in Tennessee
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Washington: US Congressman Andy Ogles, who has faced widespread criticism over anti-Muslim and racially inflammatory remarks, has suffered an unexpected defeat in the Tennessee Republican primary despite receiving the backing of President Donald Trump.
Ogles was defeated by former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, who secured 53.3% of the vote to Ogles’ 46.8% with 95% of ballots counted. Hatcher campaigned on his agricultural background and promises of development and will face Democratic candidate Chaz Moulder in November’s midterm election.
Ogles’ defeat comes amid mounting controversy over his record of Islamophobic statements. In March, he provoked outrage on X by denying Muslims a place in American society and dismissing pluralism. He also faced intense backlash after responding to questions about Palestinian children being killed in Gaza by calling for their destruction.
Political observers have attributed the defeat to strong voter opposition to Ogles’ divisive and racially charged positions, despite Trump’s endorsement. Moderate Republicans and American Muslim organisations welcomed the result, viewing it as a rejection of Ogle’s inflammatory politics.
The Tennessee primary also marked the second defeat this week for a Republican candidate backed by Trump. On Tuesday, former Navy specialist Amir Hussain lost a Michigan primary to Thomas Smith, who had suspended his own campaign but defeated the Trump-endorsed candidate.