Robby Starbuck sues to get back on District 5 ballot

Former congressional candidate Robby Starbuck is officially fighting the state Republican Party's decision to kick him off the District 5 ballot.

• Late Monday night, he sued the Tennessee GOP and state election officials in federal court.

Why it matters: In addition to Starbuck, Nashville newcomer Morgan Ortagus and businessman Baxter Lee were removed from the District 5 Republican primary ballot.

• The candidates did not meet the state party's requirements for having voted in recent Republican primary elections.

The big picture: With those three candidates out, the leading Republican contenders for District 5 appear to be former Speaker of the House Beth Harwell, Maury County Mayor Andy Ogles and attorney and retired National Guard Brig. Gen. Kurt Winstead.

What he's saying: Starbuck tells Axios he's focused on "restoring the integrity in this election by getting the other two candidates back on the ballot, too."