Andy Ogles

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Andy Ogles
Official portrait, 2022
Andy Ogles
BornWilliam Andrew Ogles IV
6/18/1971
BirthplaceNashville, Tennessee, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationPolitician
Known forU.S. Representative for Tennessee's 5th congressional district
Children3
Websiteogles.house.gov

William Andrew Ogles IV (born June 18, 1971), known as Andy Ogles, serves as the U.S. representative for Tennessee's 5th congressional district. He took office in January 2023. A Republican, Ogles previously held the position of mayor of Maury County, Tennessee, from 2018 to 2022. Before that, he worked with conservative advocacy organizations across Tennessee. In Congress, he's positioned himself firmly with the far-right wing of the Republican Party. He was among the original members voting against Kevin McCarthy for Speaker of the House in January 2023, and he's been a vocal Trump supporter. His time in office has drawn considerable public attention for several controversies. These include questions about his educational and professional background, proposals for a constitutional amendment to allow Trump a third presidential term, and calls to impeach judges who've ruled against the Trump administration. Ogles succeeded longtime Democratic congressman Jim Cooper, who retired after Tennessee's congressional map was redrawn following the 2020 census.[1]

Early Life

William Andrew Ogles IV was born on June 18, 1971, in Nashville, Tennessee.[2] He grew up in the Nashville area with roots in Middle Tennessee. His cousin, Brandon Ogles, is also active in Tennessee politics. Beyond these basics, details about his parents and upbringing haven't been widely documented.

Ogles has spoken publicly about losing one of his children. That tragedy has figured into his political messaging. He and his wife, Monica, have three children together. The family lives in the Nashville metropolitan area, which falls within Tennessee's 5th congressional district.[3]

Education

Ogles has faced significant public scrutiny over his educational credentials. During his campaigns, he described himself as an "economist" and referenced academic qualifications that journalists and political opponents later questioned. News investigations found he hadn't completed certain degrees he'd implied or claimed to hold. He also hadn't worked in the professional capacities he'd suggested on the campaign trail.[4] This became a recurring issue during his 2022 congressional campaign and continued after taking office. Critics accused him of misrepresenting his qualifications to voters.

Career

Early Political Activity

Before entering electoral politics, Ogles worked with conservative organizations focused on fiscal conservatism and limited government. His early forays into elections included runs for the U.S. House. In 2002, he ran in the Republican primary for Tennessee's 8th congressional district but didn't win the nomination.[5] He tried again in 2006, running in another Republican primary for a congressional seat, but came up short.[6]

Those early campaigns didn't succeed. Still, they helped Ogles build name recognition and connections within the Tennessee Republican Party. During the years between his congressional bids, he kept working in conservative policy circles and positioned himself for future runs at public office.

Mayor of Maury County

In 2018, Ogles ran for mayor of Maury County, challenging incumbent mayor Charlie Norman in the Republican primary. He campaigned on fiscal conservatism, lower taxes, and limited government. Defeating Norman in the primary was seen as a significant upset in local politics.[7] He took office on September 1, 2018.[8]

As mayor, Ogles focused on budget management and development in the rapidly growing county, which includes the city of Columbia, Tennessee. Maury County saw significant population growth on his watch. He oversaw municipal decisions involving infrastructure and land use. He served until August 30, 2022, when he stepped down to run for Congress. He was succeeded as mayor by Sheila Butt.[3]

2022 Congressional Campaign

After the 2020 census, Tennessee's 5th congressional district was substantially redrawn by the Republican-controlled state legislature. The district had been represented by Democratic congressman Jim Cooper since 2003. The Republicans reconfigured it to include more conservative-leaning areas, making it far more favorable to their candidates. Cooper announced his retirement rather than seek reelection in the redrawn district.[4]

Ogles entered the Republican primary for the open seat in a crowded field. He emphasized conservative social values, support for the Second Amendment, opposition to abortion, and strong alignment with former President Donald Trump. His campaign attracted national attention for a Christmas card featuring his family posing with rifles.[4]

He won the Republican primary on August 4, 2022.[9] During the campaign, questions arose about his professional background. He'd described himself as an economist and referenced law enforcement experience. Reporting by The Tennessean and other outlets found these characterizations to be inaccurate or significantly embellished.[4] Despite the controversy, he won the general election in November 2022 in the heavily Republican district.[10]

U.S. House of Representatives

Ogles was sworn in on January 3, 2023, succeeding Jim Cooper.[11] From the start, he positioned himself on the far-right flank of the Republican conference.

Speaker of the House Vote

In January 2023, he was one of the original 19 Republican members voting against Kevin McCarthy for Speaker. The protracted speaker election required 15 rounds of voting. It was one of the most contentious in modern congressional history. His opposition to McCarthy reflected alignment with the most conservative faction of the Republican caucus, which demanded concessions on House rules and committee assignments before backing McCarthy's bid.[12]

Legislative Positions and Proposals

Ogles has staked out strongly conservative positions on a range of issues. He's been an outspoken opponent of abortion and same-sex marriage. He's publicly called for Christian nationalism in the United States. He's a prominent supporter of gun rights, which was underscored by his family's rifle-themed Christmas card.

Among his most notable legislative proposals, Ogles introduced a constitutional amendment that would allow Donald Trump to serve a third presidential term. This would require overturning the Twenty-second Amendment, which limits presidents to two terms. He also filed articles of impeachment against federal judges who issued rulings against the Trump administration. These actions drew support from Trump allies and criticism from legal scholars and political opponents alike.

After the 2020 United States presidential election, Ogles echoed false claims that the election had been stolen from Donald Trump. These assertions were part of broader attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election. He continued to reference these claims during his 2022 campaign and in Congress.

Columbia Dam Feasibility Study

In February 2026, Ogles submitted a legislative request to the Army Corps of Engineers for a feasibility study regarding the reconstruction of the Columbia Dam on the Duck River in Maury County. A 2024 drought had exposed vulnerabilities in the water supply for approximately 250,000 people who rely on the Duck River for drinking water.[13][14] Local officials and community groups concerned about water security supported the proposal.[15]

Super Bowl Halftime Show Investigation Request

In February 2026, Ogles called for the House Energy and Commerce Committee to launch a formal inquiry into the NFL and NBC regarding the Super Bowl halftime performance by Bad Bunny. He accused the network of broadcasting a "sexually explicit" performance, describing it in a letter as "gay pornography."[16][17] The request drew national media attention. The Hill published an opinion piece discussing his characterization of the performance.[18]

Personal Life

Ogles and Monica have three children. The family resides in the Nashville metropolitan area within Tennessee's 5th congressional district.[3] They gained national attention for their Christmas card photographs featuring family members posing with rifles. That image became part of his political branding to signal support for gun rights.

He's spoken publicly about losing a child. That personal tragedy has informed some of his public advocacy. He identifies as a committed Christian. His public statements and legislative priorities reflect socially conservative positions rooted in religious beliefs, including calls for Christian nationalism in the United States.

His cousin, Brandon Ogles, is also involved in Tennessee Republican politics. The family has been part of the state's conservative political network.

Controversies

Background Misrepresentations

One persistent controversy throughout Ogles's political career involves scrutiny of his educational and professional background. During his campaigns, he described himself as an "economist." News investigations found this characterization unsupported by his actual credentials. He also referenced law enforcement experience. Reporting indicated he'd never served as a law enforcement officer in any official capacity.[4] Political opponents and media commentators accused him of fabricating or significantly embellishing his résumé to appear more qualified to voters. Ogles and his campaign disputed some characterizations, but the controversy persisted and became a recurring theme in his political coverage.

Election Denial

Following the 2020 United States presidential election, Ogles amplified false claims that the election was stolen from Donald Trump. These statements placed him among Republican politicians who promoted unfounded allegations of widespread voter fraud. Courts, election officials, and the Department of Homeland Security's cybersecurity agency all rejected these claims.

2026 Reelection and Political Outlook

As of early 2026, Ogles faces a competitive reelection campaign. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) named Tennessee's 5th congressional district as part of its "Red to Blue" program, identifying it as a seat Democrats believe they can flip. Chaz Molder, a former state legislator from Maury County, was named a priority candidate by the DCCC for the 2026 race.[19][20] The increased Democratic attention reflects both national political dynamics and local factors, including controversies surrounding his tenure in office.

References

  1. ↑ "Andy Ogles". 'Biographical Directory of the United States Congress}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ "About Andy". 'Andy Ogles for Congress}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "About Andy". 'Andy Ogles for Congress}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 "Tennessee Aug. 4 election: Andy Ogles, candidate for Congress, District 5". 'The Tennessean}'. 2022-07-15. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ "2002 Republican Primary, U.S. House, 8th District". 'Tennessee Secretary of State}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ "2006 Tennessee Election Results". 'Tennessee Secretary of State}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ "Republican Andy Ogles Unseats County Mayor Charlie Norman in Maury County". 'The Tennessee Star}'. 2018-08-04. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ "Maury County Government Records". 'Maury County Government}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ "Tennessee Election Results". 'Tennessee Secretary of State}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ "FEC Candidate Page: Andy Ogles". 'Federal Election Commission}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ "Member Profile: Andrew Ogles". 'Congress.gov}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ "Member Profile: Andrew Ogles". 'Congress.gov}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ "Rep. Andy Ogles submits legislative request for Columbia Dam feasibility study".WKRN News 2.https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/andy-ogles-requests-columbia-dam-feasibility-study/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. ↑ "U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles files legislation for Columbia Dam feasibility study".Columbia Daily Herald.https://www.columbiadailyherald.com/story/news/local/2026/02/20/andy-ogles-files-legislation-for-columbia-dam-feasibility-study/88755919007/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. ↑ "Congressman requests dam feasibility study".Main Street Media of Tennessee.https://mainstreetmediatn.com/articles/mainstreetmaury/rep-ogles-submits-house-request-to-fund-dam-feasibility-study/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. ↑ "Republican Congressman Calls for Investigation Into Bad Bunny Halftime Show".Time.https://time.com/7376165/ogles-bad-bunny-super-bowl-halftime-sexual-lyrics-congress-investigation/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. ↑ "ICYMI: Ogles Requests Congressional Probe Of NFL NBC Over Vulgar Halftime Show". 'Office of Congressman Andy Ogles}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. ↑ "Andy Ogles accuses Bad Bunny of broadcasting 'gay pornography'?".The Hill.https://thehill.com/opinion/lindseys-lens/5733945-ogles-calls-for-bad-bunny-probe/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. ↑ "Ogles challenger Chaz Molder named priority candidate as DCCC eyes TN-5 flip".The Tennessean.https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2026/02/23/ogles-challenger-chaz-molder-named-priority-candidate-as-dccc-eyes-tn-5-flip/88785925007/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  20. ↑ "Democrats' 'Red to Blue' program targets Andy Ogles' seat".Nashville Banner.https://nashvillebanner.com/2026/02/24/red-to-blue-nashville-fairgrounds-metro-parks-gyms/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
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