In Tennessee, Congressman Andy Ogles, a conservative member of the House Freedom Caucus, is facing a primary challenge from Nashville councilwoman Courtney Johnston. Ogles, who has twice filed articles of impeachment against Vice President Kamala Harris, is seeking a second term representing Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District. The district includes southern parts of Nashville, surrounding suburbs, and rural areas. Johnston is criticizing Ogles as a “do-nothing grandstander” who is mired in scandals, while Ogles has the support of former President Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Senator Bill Hagerty. Johnston, on the other hand, has the backing of establishment Republicans such as former Sens. Bill Frist and Bob Corker, and former Gov. Bill Haslam. The winner of the GOP primary will face Democrat Maryam Abolfazli in the general election.
In addition to the congressional races, Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn is seeking a second six-year term in the Senate and is the clear favorite to win. She is facing a primary challenge from Tres Wittum, a former state Senate policy analyst who previously ran in the 5th Congressional District primary but came in last. There are also crowded primary fields for the Democratic Senate nomination and seats in the state Senate and House. Tennessee is a red-dominated state, with Republicans holding super majorities in the legislature.
Ogles faced controversy in his first term as congressman, winning a crowded nine-candidate Republican primary in the redrawn 5th District two years ago. Last year, he filed articles of impeachment against both President Biden and Vice President Harris, and he filed impeachment articles against Harris a second time after she replaced Biden at the top of the Democrats’ national ticket. Despite criticism from Johnston and others, Ogles remains a strong advocate for conservative policies and has the support of influential Republicans, including former President Trump. The upcoming primary will determine whether Ogles will continue to represent the 5th District in Congress.
The Tennessee primary elections are being closely watched as Republicans and Democrats prepare for a key political battle in the state. With Ogles and Johnston vying for the GOP nomination in the 5th District, and Senator Blackburn facing a primary challenge, the outcomes of these races will have implications for the general election in November. The crowded field for the Democratic Senate nomination signals a potentially competitive race, as Democrats seek to make gains in the red state of Tennessee. As the campaign heats up, candidates are working to mobilize their supporters and secure votes in the primary elections.
As Tennessee voters head to the polls, the spotlight is on the primary races that will shape the political landscape in the state. With a mix of conservative and establishment Republicans vying for nominations in key races, including the 5th District congressional seat and the Senate race, the outcome of the primaries will set the stage for the general election. While Republicans hold a stronghold in Tennessee politics, Democrats are hoping to make inroads and flip seats in the upcoming election. As the campaigns intensify and candidates make their final pitches to voters, the results of the primary elections will determine who will represent Tennessee in Congress and the Senate, setting the stage for a contentious general election in November.
