Inside the results: How redistricting shaped Tennessee’s primary election | US Midterm Elections 2026 News
Tennessee Primary Election Tests New Congressional District Map
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Thursday’s primary elections in Tennessee marked a significant trial for the state’s newly redrawn congressional district map, implemented after a May decision. Tennessee is among roughly 10 states that altered their electoral maps since 2025, driven by partisan motivations to influence the outcome of the 2026 United States midterm elections.
The primary is seen as a barometer of support for former President Donald Trump’s leadership, with the Republican party advocating for redistricting measures across states like Tennessee to secure congressional control.
Congressional districts play a crucial role in determining representation in the House of Representatives. The configuration of these districts can significantly impact electoral outcomes, especially as Republicans hold a fragile majority in the House, raising concerns about a potential Democratic shift.
Recent changes in Tennessee came after the U.S. Supreme Court weakened minority voter protections under the Voting Rights Act in April, allowing Republican lawmakers to reshape the congressional map. Notably, this revision dismantled the state’s only majority-Black district in Memphis, a long-time Democratic stronghold.
With Republicans already holding eight of Tennessee’s nine congressional seats, the party aims for a clean sweep in November’s elections. The primaries held Thursday established candidates for both the Democratic and Republican parties in the upcoming midterms.
Key Outcomes from Thursday’s Primaries:
Governor’s Race: Blackburn Secures Republican Nomination
Senator Marsha Blackburn has won the Republican nomination for governor, defeating U.S. Representative John Rose. Blackburn seeks to succeed Governor Bill Lee, who is barred from seeking re-election due to term limits. She will face Memphis City Council member Jerri Green, who won the Democratic primary.
Blackburn enters the general election with considerable partisan advantage in a state that has consistently leaned Republican, having held the governor’s office since 2011 and winning all U.S. Senate elections since 1994. If elected, Blackburn would become the first female governor of Tennessee.
U.S. House District 5: Trump-Backed Incumbent Defeated
One of the night’s major surprises occurred in District 5, which encompasses parts of Nashville and rural areas. Former Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher won the Republican primary, ousting Trump-endorsed U.S. Representative Andy Ogles, who faced criticism for controversial statements regarding the Muslim community. Hatcher, who has publicly supported Trump, will face Democrat Chaz Molder in the November elections.
U.S. House District 6: Open Seat Wins for Garrett
With no incumbent on the ballot, House District 6 became a competitive race. State Representative Johnny Garrett emerged victorious in the Republican primary, defeating Van Hilleary, Rose’s former chief of staff. Garrett will face Navy veteran Mike Croley, who won the Democratic primary.
U.S. House District 9: Memphis District Poised for Flip
Much attention turned to U.S. House District 9, historically a Democratic stronghold in Memphis. Republican lawmakers reconfigured the district during May’s redistricting, creating a new map that now leans Republican with 71% of voters being new to the district. Trump-backed candidate Brent Taylor secured the Republican nomination and will compete against Democrat Justin Pearson, who gained attention after being expelled from the Tennessee House over gun control protests and subsequently re-elected.
In his victory speech, Pearson highlighted the significance of the Voting Rights Act’s anniversary, criticizing the redistricting effort as an affront to minority representation.
U.S. Senate: Hagerty Advances Unchallenged
Incumbent Senator Bill Hagerty won the Republican primary without opposition and is set to face Democratic candidate Marquita Bradshaw, known for her activism in environmental and human rights issues. Hagerty, who was elected in 2020, remains favored in the predominantly Republican state.
