Trump-backed incumbent loses primary after super PAC bankrolled by Dems meddled in race
A super PAC bankrolled by a California billionaire and frequent Democratic donor spent $2 million to unseat Andy Ogles over renewable energy policy.
TL;DR
- Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., lost his primary challenge to Republican challenger Charlie Hatcher.
- A super PAC, Invest in Tomorrow Coalition, spent roughly $2 million opposing Ogles.
- The super PAC is funded by Chris Larsen, a billionaire and frequent Democratic donor.
- Ogles believes the spending is due to his opposition to government funding for renewable energy sources.
- Tennessee's Republican Governor Bill Lee endorsed Hatcher, citing a personal relationship and Hatcher's conservative values.
- Donald Trump had endorsed Ogles prior to the primary.
- Hatcher, a former state commissioner of agriculture, will now compete in the general election.