Tennessee Primary Elections: Redistricting Reshapes Congressional Races

What happened

On August 6, 2026, Tennessee voters held primary elections to test a new U.S. House map that was redrawn in May by Republican state lawmakers following Supreme Court rulings that weakened Voting Rights Act protections for minorities.

In the Republican primary for Tennessee's 5th District, former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher defeated incumbent U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, marking a rare rejection of a candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump. In the redrawn 9th Congressional District — formerly majority Black and based in Memphis — voters selected State Sen. Brent Taylor (R-Memphis) to face Democratic state Rep. Justin Pearson. Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder won the Democratic primary in the 5th District.

The new map was approved by federal judges after Supreme Court rulings weakened Voting Rights Act protections for minorities, according to reporting from AP News. President Trump endorsed the redistricting as part of a broader national plan to hold on to a slim House majority in midterm elections.

Why it matters

The election results reflect significant political realignment in Tennessee following redistricting changes. Republican seats held by Republicans in Tennessee: 8 of 9 congressional seats, indicating continued Republican dominance despite the map changes.

In the 5th District, where new voters comprised 82% of the electorate (AP estimate), Chaz Molder's victory as a Democrat suggests shifting voter preferences. The district has seen ongoing scrutiny over campaign finances and other issues — an FBI investigation into Ogles' campaign finances began in 2024 under the Biden administration, and the Justice Department returned Ogles' cellphone and abandoned the probe as of August 6, 2026.

Ogles also acknowledged receiving a liberal studies degree from Middle Tennessee State University in 2023. Hatcher served under Gov. Bill Lee for 7 years during his tenure as Agriculture Commissioner.

The 9th District, where new voters comprised 71% of the electorate (AP estimate), saw Brent Taylor emerge as the Republican candidate to face Justin Pearson in the general election. This district has been majority Black and based in Memphis.

Justin Pearson noted on election day that 61 years have passed since the Voting Rights Act was signed, highlighting the historical context of these redistricting changes.

What to watch

The outcome of these primaries will shape the general election landscape for Tennessee's congressional districts. The Republican primary victory by Hatcher over Trump-endorsed Ogles represents a notable political development that may signal changing voter preferences in the state.

The new map's approval by federal judges and its connection to Supreme Court rulings on Voting Rights Act protections raises questions about the long-term implications for minority representation in Congress.

Key figures to watch include: - Charlie Hatcher (former Agriculture Commissioner, now Republican primary winner in 5th District) - Andy Ogles (incumbent U.S. Rep., defeated in Republican primary) - Brent Taylor (State Sen., R-Memphis, Republican nominee for redrawn 9th District) - Justin Pearson (Democratic state Rep., Republican nominee for 9th District) - Chaz Molder (Columbia Mayor, Democratic nominee for 5th District)

The election results will be tested in the general election, where these candidates will face their respective opponents. The broader implications of redistricting following Supreme Court rulings on Voting Rights Act protections remain a significant development in American politics.

By the numbers

• Election date: August 6, 2026
• New voters in 5th District: 82% (AP estimate)
• New voters in 9th District: 71% (AP estimate)
• Republican seats held by Republicans in Tennessee: 8 of 9 congressional seats
• Years since Voting Rights Act signed: 61 years (as noted by Pearson on election day)
• Hatcher served under Gov. Bill Lee for: 7 years
• FBI investigation into Ogles' campaign finances began: 2024 (under Biden administration)
• Justice Department returned Ogles' cellphone and abandoned probe: recent (as of August 6, 2026)
• Ogles' degree correction year: 2023 (acknowledged liberal studies degree from Middle Tennessee State University)

Source snapshot

Sources: - https://apnews.com/article/tennessee-primary-election-congress-redistricting-memphis-ad0c23a4d0d5f7464ff2bdbb892b0a3f (AP News coverage of the Tennessee primary election results)