Republican Andy Ogles, who campaigned as a pro-Donald Trump “America First” conservative, has defeated Democratic state Sen. Heidi Campbell in Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District.
The Associated Press
called the race in favor of Ogles at 12:08 a.m. ET on Nov. 9. According to the state’s election officials, Ogles captured over 123,000 votes, or 55.9 percent, to Campell’s about 93,000 votes, or 42.3 percent.
“There is a wave sweeping this country. And like we all said, we want our country back. And tonight, we took it,” Ogles
said in his victory speech.
“This should be a wake up to the Biden administration, that you’re not listening to the people of this country,” he continued. “We’re sick and tired of your agenda, fix the economy, make us energy independent, and shut down the … border.
“We are a nation of Christians and believers, and we have a right to worship,” he added. “We are going to fix this economy, we are going to close this border, and we are going to fire Nancy Pelosi.”
Ogles, the former Maury County Mayor,
defeated former state House Speaker Beth Harwell and former Tennessee National Guard joint staff director Brig. Gen. Kurt Winstead during the state’s Republican primary in August. Meanwhile, Campbell was unopposed in the Democratic primary.
“This wasn’t the result we worked for, but we can’t grow cynical,” Campbell
wrote on Twitter after conceding defeat. “There are people who still believe in democracy and working together to solve big problems.”
Following his victory, several Republicans took to Twitter to welcome Ogles to Congress.
House GOP Conference Chairwoman Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.)
wrote that she looks forward to working with him.
“Thrilled to welcome @AndyOgles to Washington! He will fight hard to defend Tennesseans’ conservative values and help keep our state and nation on the right track,”
wrote Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.).
“Big win tonight for @AndyOgles! Congratulations on FLIPPING #TN05 RED,” House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.)
wrote. “Looking forward to the hard work ahead, fighting for our shared conservative values and putting America First!”
Rep. Jim Cooper, the Democratic incumbent, has represented the district since 2003 but announced in February that he wouldn’t seek reelection.
Throughout her campaign, Harwell frequently labeled Ogles as a lobbyist tied to a Washington special interest group that “smeared” Trump, and linked to another group that “supports amnesty for millions of illegal immigrants.”
Jeff Louderback contributed to this report.
