Republican Andy Ogles Ditches Senate Bid

NASHVILLE, TN — Less than two months after he announced his campaign, conservative activist Andy Ogles said Wednesday he's ending his bid for the U.S. Senate.

Ogles said he was ending his long-shot campaign because in the time since he launched his candidacy, incumbent Republican Sen. Bob Corker announced that he is not seeking re-election in 2018. Ogles, former head of the Tennessee arm of Americans For Prosperity, intended to position himself as an anti-establishment Republican intent on furthering the legislative agenda of President Donald Trump, contrasting with the more moderate Corker who, though an early and crucial ally of the president, has since become one of his most vocal critics.

His departure sets up a contest between Rep. Marsha Blackburn of Brentwood and former Rep. Stephen Fincher of Frog Jump. Perennial candidate Larry Crim is, as usual, also seeking the Republican nomination.

“With two Republican candidates for the nomination, who have millions of dollars in their Congressional accounts or personal wealth at their disposal, I do not see a path to raise the millions of dollars needed to run a successful race this election cycle," Ogles said in a statement. "Like millions of Tennesseans, I will be watching and listening carefully to what the Republican candidates say and do before I choose who to support."

Ogles said that while he was the only one "willing to accept the challenge" of taking on Corker, he now rests assured that Tennessee will elect a replacement suitable to his goals.

“I entered this race to insure that Tennessee would have conservative representation that would reflect their values and commitment to ‘draining the swamp’ that Tennesseans expect and deserve," Ogles said. "With Senator Corker making the decision to exit the Senate at the conclusion of his term rather than being terminated by the voters, the political landscape changed dramatically."

James Mackler, a Nashville attorney, is the only Democrat who has announced his candidacy. Former Nashville mayor and governor Phil Bredesen is mulling a run, as is Chattanooga mayor Andy Berke.

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