Republican Andy Ogles called himself the country’s most conservative mayor when he led Maury County. Now as the congressman-elect in Middle Tennessee’s District 5, he’s doubling down.
During his campaign, Ogles focused more on President Joe Biden than his Democratic opponent — often calling for Biden’s impeachment. In Congress, he plans to do the same — focusing on the economy, public safety and immigration.
In his victory speech, Ogles criticized the president’s immigration policy.
“Over the last 12 months, over two million people have come across our southern border,” he said.
During his campaign, Ogles listed out changes he’d make.
“I’ve been very outspoken on immigration: Build the wall. Secure the border. Under no circumstances, no amnesty,” Ogles said. “If you want to come here, you have to come here legally. But if you come here illegally, we’re not going to grant you amnesty.”
But Ogles also previewed his openness to revisiting gay marriage.
“And when I look at the Supreme Court and how they gave the state’s … purview over Roe. My guess is that, in time, they’ll have purview over marriage,” Ogles said.
Currently, same-sex marriage is protected by the federal government. But if states were given the right to decide, it’d be banned under Tennessee’s current constitution.
Ogles will be sworn into office in January.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM