Andy Ogles dodges likely primary rival under Tennessee GOP edict

Rep. Andy Ogles

BY ANDY SHER, The Tennessee Journal, JANUARY 29, 2024 - Tennessee Republican Party State Executive Committee members wrangled at considerable length last weekend before voting narrowly to immediately put a party-purity rule into effect that could give freshman U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles of Culleoka an easier path toward re-election.

The rule was previously to take effect in 2026 for would-be GOP candidates seeking to run under the party’s banner. In a 32-29 decision, SEC members opted to go with a 2024 timeline. It is expected to keep some potential GOP candidates off the ballot. 

Among them are businessman and investor Baxter Lee and conservative activist and video director Robby Starbuck who are said to have been eying the state’s Republican primary for a 5th Congressional District bid in 2026. 

The SEC’s action on Saturday is expected to benefit first-term incumbent 5th District Congressman Andy Ogles, ... Under the version of the “bona fide” standards adopted Saturday, GOP hopefuls would have to have voted in three of the following four most recent GOP primaries before qualifying for the August 2024 primary. 

• March of 2020 (Super Tuesday).
• August 2020 (GOP state and federal primaries).
• August 2022 (GOP state and federal primaries).
• March 2024 (Super Tuesday). 

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