NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Tennessee's freshman Congressman Andy Ogles has survived a primary challenge from Metro Councilwoman Courtney Johnston.
Johnston, who positioned herself as a political outsider, made headlines for out-fundraising Ogles and launched an aggressive media campaign against the freshman congressman.
"We were outspent four to one, five to one. Our opponent couldn't really run on her record, so the only thing they could do was try to assassinate my character," Ogles said in a victory speech Thursday night. "But the fifth congressional district wasn't buying any of that BS."
Johnston accused Ogles of being ineffectual during his first term in Washington, focusing causing chaos rather than passing substantive legislation that helps Tennesseans.
“He says a lot but does nothing,” Johnston said of her opponent. “The legislation he has put forth has been nonsense…it is all performative.”
Ogles, meanwhile, focused on being the candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump.
Ogles added that Johnston called to concede. He will face Maryam Abolfazli, a single mother who opted to run against Ogles after the Covenant School shooting, in November.