Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), a House Freedom Caucus hardliner, beat back a competitive primary challenge from a well-funded local pol in the 5th District race.
Ogles bested Courtney Johnston, a Nashville council member, 56.5%-43.5%.
Ogles has come under fire for lying about a host of biographical details and misstating a loan on his financial disclosures. Johnston outraised Ogles, who was first elected in 2022.
But it wasn’t all good news for the House Freedom Caucus Thursday night. Chair Bob Good (R-Va.) lost his recount of the Virginia primary to state Rep. John McGuire, a Donald Trump-backed Navy Seal. Good was defeated by just 370 votes.
Good made some powerful enemies inside the GOP after voting to oust former Speaker Kevin McCarthy and initially endorsing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over Trump. Both McCarthy and Trump rallied against Good in the primary.
Good’s ouster is a big blow to the Freedom Caucus, which has struggled with its direction in recent years. Good has vowed to step down as leader if he lost his recount, as we first reported. And Ogles is one of the lawmakers interested in replacing him.
