Trump-backed candidates win eight races but lose Tennessee’s 5th District

President Trump on Friday claimed another strong night for his primary endorsements, despite one of his picks, Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), losing his Thursday primary in the state’s 5th Congressional District.

Trump highlighted that eight of his endorsed candidates won races across the country, while Ogles—whom he backed despite Ogles facing long odds—was the sole loss. The former president framed the outcome as a win for loyalty, suggesting that even in defeat, his support carried weight. The Tennessee race drew attention because Ogles, a first-term Republican known for his hardline conservative stances, was facing a tough challenge from state Sen. Heidi Campbell, a Democrat, in a district Trump won by just 1 point in 2020.

Ogles’ loss marks a rare setback for Trump’s endorsement power in a primary where he broke from establishment-backed candidates to back firebrand challengers. The district, which includes Nashville, has trended blue in recent years, and Democrats saw an opening to flip the seat. National Republicans had already moved resources elsewhere, signaling lower confidence in Ogles’ viability. Trump’s endorsement often boosts fundraising and name recognition, but in this case, it wasn’t enough to overcome local dissatisfaction with Ogles’ tenure.

The outcome could reinforce skepticism about Trump’s ability to sway races where his brand clashes with suburban or moderate voters. While his endorsements remain influential in deep-red districts, the Tennessee loss adds to a growing list of races where his picks have underperformed. Next up, Trump is expected to double down on endorsements in key battlegrounds, where his influence could still shape the GOP’s midterm map. For Ogles, the loss likely ends his political career, while Democrats eye an opportunity to expand their House majority. The broader lesson: Trump’s endorsement is powerful, but not invincible.