Courtney Johnston makes fundraising pitch in TN-5 Republican primary
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Photo: Courtesy of Courtney Johnston
Nashville Councilmember Courtney Johnston has quickly seized on U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles' campaign finance snafu and turned it into fodder for a fundraising drive.
Why it matters: Ogles entered the race with the incumbent's advantage over primary opponent Johnston in terms of name recognition, as well as the endorsement of former President Trump.
Driving the news: Johnston tapped prominent Republican fundraiser Kim Kaegi to raise money for her primary challenge of Ogles. Kaegi previously handled fundraising for top Republicans such as Gov. Bill Lee, former Gov. Bill Haslam and former Sen. Bob Corker.
The intrigue: Johnston could emerge as the rare primary challenger who outraises the incumbent despite not having the personal wealth to bankroll a campaign.
- Based on the wealthy donors known to be backing Johnston, she seems poised for strong fundraising numbers.
Catch up quick: Ogles amended 11 financial disclosures last month by removing a $300,000 personal loan he'd reported on earlier filings.
- In addition to receiving criticism for the inaccurate filings, Ogles' most recent disclosure showed he had just $95,348.95 on hand.
Between the lines: One week after news broke about Ogles' messy finances, Kaegi sent out her first communication on behalf of Johnston. The email, obtained by Axios, asked potential donors to support Johnston in the primary race.
- Kaegi said voters "have the opportunity to elect a Republican who will offer Respectable Conservative Representation and remove the George Santos of our Congressional delegation."
- Kaegi pointed out that Ogles won the 10-way 2022 primary for the newly drawn District 5 with "less than 35% of the vote." She told donors Ogles has "continuously promoted chaos" since being elected.
- Kaegi also reminded donors of NewsChannel 5's coverage of Ogles' apparently embellished resume.
Zoom in: Kaegi called Johnston a "very viable candidate" and "a conservative Republican." She highlighted Johnston's council votes against the 2020 property tax increase and in favor of police using license plate readers.
- Kaegi also said prominent Nashville businesspeople Marty Dickens, Jimmy Granbery, John Ingram and Colin Reed are backing Johnston.
- Ogles' campaign declined to comment.
What's next: The Republican congressional primary election in Tennessee will take place Aug. 1.