Tennessee primary sets Blackburn-Green governor race; Hatcher defeats Ogles

Tennessee voters chose the major-party nominees for governor and several federal and state offices in the Aug. 6, 2026, primary. Republican Marsha Blackburn and Democrat Jerri Green won their parties’ gubernatorial nominations, setting the principal major-party contest for the Nov. 3 general election.

Thirteen independent candidates for governor had also qualified for the November ballot, according to the Tennessee Secretary of State, as reported by Axios.

Hatcher defeats Ogles in redrawn district

Former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher defeated incumbent U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles in the Republican primary for the state’s redrawn 5th Congressional District. Ogles was backed by President Donald Trump, according to The Associated Press.

Hatcher will face Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, who won the Democratic primary for the district, in the general election. The district has been significantly reshaped, making the November contest a new matchup for the redrawn seat.

The 2026 cycle also includes all 99 Tennessee House seats and approximately half of the 33 state Senate seats. The Tennessee Secretary of State’s election calendar lists Nov. 3, 2026, as the date for the state and federal general election.