Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) is set to face a tougher-than-expected primary on Thursday in a race that’s being viewed as another referendum on the strength of the House Freedom Caucus. The conservative hardliner is hoping to fend off a well-funded Republican who is accusing Ogles of being a “do nothing” lawmaker.
Ogles, a freshman member who has ambitions to chair the House Freedom Caucus, is facing Nashville Metro Council member Courtney Johnston. Johnston has a significant fundraising advantage over Ogles, reporting $500,000 cash-on-hand earlier this month, compared to Ogles’ $95,000.
“We’re taking nothing for granted,” Ogles told us. “We’re being outspent but we’re working harder. We’ve got the grassroots and our polling looks good. You never take your foot off the gas.”
Yet Ogles’ allies are more worried about the race than they want to be, according to multiple conversations we’ve had with members of the Freedom Caucus and the Tennessee delegation.
Ogles has come under scrutiny for his campaign finances. Ogles had to amend his FEC reports to reflect that a $320,000 loan he previously reported making to his campaign didn’t actually happen. The Tennessee Republican’s campaign said it was a mistake, and that Ogles only loaned his campaign $20,000.
Ogles also has reportedly embellished parts of his resume. A local news outlet reported that Ogles misrepresented his educational background and business credentials.
Johnston has hit Ogles over his campaign finance and resume controversies. She accused Ogles of being a headline chaser while painting herself as someone dedicated to good governance, making the race a contrast of personalities more so than policies.
Ogles’ ouster would be another big blow to the HFC after Chair Bob Good (R-Va.) lost his high-profile primary against Virginia state Sen. John McGuire in June. Good’s recount is set for Thursday. The group has also lost several efforts to oust incumbents and replace them with more conservative candidates.
But unlike Good, Ogles has the support of former President Donald Trump. The Tennessee Republican has been running ads in the safe Republican district highlighting his Trump endorsement. He also has backing from the Americans for Prosperity Action group.
HFC circles the wagons: The Freedom Caucus doesn’t want to see another one of its members go down. Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) said he donated to Ogles’ campaign to help boost his primary.
Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) was making plans to try and go to Ogles’ district and said he’s been messaging on social media and other platforms to get out the vote for Ogles.
“Primaries, especially a first one, are tough and [Ogles is] going to find a way to work through it,” Donalds told us. “Andy has my full support and I’ll make sure I get that message out there for people in Tennessee.”
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), who isn’t a member of the Freedom Caucus but is close to the group, said he twice campaigned for Ogles in his district already.
“There’s only two ways to run: scared or unopposed,” Burchett told us. “He’ll be outspent with a lot of outside money coming in.”
Ogles’ ambitions: As we previously reported, Ogles is planning to run for House Freedom Caucus chair. Good will step down from the chairmanship if he loses the Aug. 1 recount.
Ogles’ plans have already sparked some internal annoyance over him being a freshman seeking the spot. But others have welcomed Ogles as a possible leader of the conservative bloc.
“Andy would be a great chair,” Tiffany said. “He’s really good at what he does.”
Rep. Ben Cline (R-Va.) said he would have no reservations about Ogles becoming the next HFC chair even if the Tennessee Republican is weakened after a tough primary. But Cline noted it’s ultimately a decision for the group’s board.
— Mica Soellner and Melanie Zanona
