Johnston lands police endorsements, announces fundraising haul in 5th District GOP race
Vivian JonesMetro Council member Courtney Johnston has won the endorsement of five Tennessee Fraternal Order of Police lodges in Tennessee’s 5th Congressional district, the campaign announced Tuesday, a significant step in the heated Republican primary days ahead of the start of early voting.
Johnston is challenging incumbent U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Columbia, in the Aug. 1 GOP primary. The district spans from parts of Wilson County, covering southern Davidson County, and includes parts of Williamson, Maury, Lewis and Marshall counties.
“It is critical that the voters send a proven leader to Washington D.C. that will work hard to solve the various issues we are facing today and promote policies that will keep American communities safe,” the FOP said in a statement. “Courtney has a proven track record as a legislator of responding to the needs of her community and providing real solutions to the challenges they face. She has been a strong advocate for the law enforcement professionals in Nashville and has advanced countless pieces of legislation that work to keep us all safer.”
The following lodges endorsed Johnston:
- Andrew Jackson Lodge #5, Nashville
- James K. Polk Lodge #26, Maury County
- Morris Heithcock Lodge #41, Williamson County
- Cedar City Lodge #83, Lebanon
- Sam Houston Lodge #71, Wilson County
“I always have and always will support law enforcement and their mission to keep us safe,” Johnston said. “I am honored to have support from the Fraternal Order of Police’s Middle Tennessee Lodges and I’m so thankful they’re supporting me.”
Ogles, who is in his first term, has been a vocal critic of the Biden administration, and sponsored more than 100 bills and amendments — including the "Antisemitism Community Service Act," which would punish "anti-Israel" student protesters by requiring six months of community service in Gaza. None of Ogles’ bills have become law so far. Only four have moved to committee, according to a congressional legislation tracker.
Ogles recently made headlines after admitting that he falsely reported a personal loan of $320,000 to the Federal Election Commission across nearly two years of filings, instead calling the money he had disclosedas a self-loan on 11 different federal forms a "pledge" to self fund if needed, and the need never arose.
More:U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles campaign effort again relies on support from Americans for Prosperity super PAC
Ogles has spent $30,000 in receipt-free taxpayer-funded reimbursements for travel and lodging expenses in 2023 ― more than 94% of his House colleagues. He has also spent $335,000 ― far more than his Republican colleagues ― in taxpayer-funded communications to tout his first-term record, sending glossy mailers to residents saying he'd broken legislative records. Ogles has told The Tennessean the communications were important for constituent services.
But critically in a GOP primary, Ogles has been a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump and has received his endorsement in the race.,
During her campaign, Johnston has attacked Ogles as a “do nothing” politician, who has sought media attention instead of meeting constituents’ needs.
This week, Johnston announced a $700,000 fundraising haul during her first quarter, with nearly all coming from inside the state. She has $500,000 cash on hand remaining, according to a news release. Federal financial disclosures are due next week.
“This strong financial backing is a clear indication that the people of Middle Tennessee are ready for new representation that truly reflects their values and priorities," she said.
Johnston, a realtor who set aside her career to focus on representing her Metro Council district, has served on the Metro Council since 2019, opposing a significant property tax increase in 2020, and working to authorize a countywide license plate reader program to support police efforts. Johnston is running as a principled candidate who can get real results. She touts her successes working within a progressive majority on the Metro Council, pointing to her work on license plate readers, and shutting down a homeless encampment in her metro council district, connecting people there with social services they needed.
Vivian Jones covers state government and politics for The Tennessean. Reach her atvjones@tennessean.com or on X at @vivian_e_jones.