Tennessee voters will select a woman as the state’s governor, as U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Memphis City Councilmember Jerri Green clinched the Republican and Democratic gubernatorial nominations, respectively.
Despite predictions of a close race, Blackburn fended off U.S. Rep. John Rose and state Rep. Monty Hatcher, winning by 11 percentage points.
Green easily defeated four opponents, winning with 69 percent of the votes cast.
Two-term 5th District U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles lost his primary to Williamson County farmer and former state agriculture commissioner Charlie Hatcher, a shocking setback for President Donald Trump, who endorsed Ogles in each of his three races.
Hatcher will face Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder in the November general election.
In other hotly-watched races:
Congressional District 4
Incumbent U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais, a Republican, cruised to victory in his primary, while second-time Democratic candidate Victoria Broderick defeated Metro Nashville Councilmember Mike Cortese by 9 percentage points.
Congressional District 6
State Rep. Johnny Garrett foiled a comeback attempt for former U.S. Rep. Van Hilleary in the newly drawn 6th Congressional District. Garrett, who allied his campaign with Blackburn, handily beat Hilleary by 14 percentage points.
Congressional District 7
Darden Copeland, founder of a Nashville-based land use consulting firm, defeated three challengers, including state Rep. Vincent Dixie, to clinch the Democratic nomination for the 7th Congressional District. He will face incumbent U.S. Rep. Matt Van Epps.
Congressional District 9
Two state lawmakers will face off for the opportunity to represent the 9th Congressional District in a campaign that will likely get national attention. The district, formerly encompassing Memphis, has been held by a Democrat for more than 50 years and was redrawn in a May special legislative session.
Rep. Justin J. Pearson won the Democratic nomination, defeating his colleague, state Sen. London Lamar, while Sen. Brent Taylor bested three other Republicans, including state Rep. Todd Warner.
