Joe Carr did pretty well against Alexander and held him (just) under 50%. If he had gotta more national conservative support (TN was largely ignored in favor of other states)......
The lack of primary runoffs really hurts, one or 2 minor candidates could ruin things even for a strong challenger by splitting the anti-incumbent vote.
Of course having a runoff hurt in Mississippi when Chris McDaniel placed first over Thad Cochran but was under 50%, although absent the minor candidate that got 1.5% , McDaniel would have won over 50% in the initial primary.
Except in the case of MS, it was voter fraud that “carried” it for Thad, the Barnyard Cad.