In a twist that surprised absolutely no one, Rep. Andy Ogles, House Freedom Caucus member and Trump’s pick, triumphed in the Tennessee GOP primary, defeating moderate challenger Courtney Johnston.

Ogles leveraged his staunch conservative stance and former President Trump's endorsement to fend off the more moderate Courtney Johnston, whose campaign was bolstered by former GOP heavyweights and a super PAC. Despite narrowly outraising Ogles, Johnston's efforts to associate him with controversial figures and events failed to resonate with the primary voters. This win solidifies Ogles's position as a key player in Tennessee politics, especially as he continues to make headlines with his contentious actions and statements.

Courtney Johnston’s campaign had its fair share of backing, notably from a super PAC hilariously named Conservatives with Character, which supported her with contributions from prominent Tennessee donors, including former GOP Sens. Bill Frist and Bob Corker. While the name might sound like the start of a stand-up routine, the money was very real and made for an intriguing primary battle.

Despite the financial push and endorsement from significant names within the GOP, Johnston couldn't turn the tide in her favor. Johnston tried to turn the primary into a referendum on Ogles’s political and personal conduct. She attempted to tie him to Rep. Bob Good and the ousting of Kevin McCarthy, painting him as a reckless and divisive figure within the party. Unfortunately for her, primary voters seemed more amused than alarmed by these accusations.

Ogles’s win wasn’t just about money and endorsements. His campaign was marked by a repeated focus on traditional conservative values, paired with a strategy of making bold claims. He reportedly has a history of making exaggerated claims about his professional experience and campaign finances—a peculiar method of self-promotion that somehow hasn't deterred his voters.

The campaign trail saw Ogles reintroducing articles of impeachment against Vice President Kamala Harris after she launched her presidential campaign. Seems like he's been busy—maybe someone should remind him this isn't a reality TV show.

Ogles first landed in the 5th Congressional District’s seat in 2022, a victory facilitated by boundary changes that skewed the district more favorably towards Republicans. His incumbency, bolstered by heavyweight endorsements, likely played a significant role in his primary success, suggesting that in Tennessee, a nod from Trump carries more weight than a politician’s resume.

Former President Trump’s complete and total endorsement appeared almost omnipresent throughout the campaign, showcased on everything from mailers to television ads. The endorsement was a strategic masterstroke and a critical element in Ogles's primary campaign, underscoring the former president's lingering influence and the continued strong grip of his allies within the GOP. It seemed as if you couldn’t find a campaign ad without Trump’s seal of approval on it, almost like spotting Waldo in a sea of red hats.

Johnston ran on a platform of moderation, a stark contrast to Ogles’s more sensationalist approach. Her effort was admirable but ultimately futile within the current political climate. It’s like bringing a PowerPoint presentation to a fireworks show; as informative as it might be, most people are just there for the spectacle.

In the end, Ogles emerged victorious, leaving his critics and primary opponents reconsidering their strategies. His win marks another chapter in the increasingly theatrical world of Tennessee politics. The constituents of Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District appear content to continue along this path, entertained, if not entirely convinced, by the drama that seems to follow their representative.

Though the primary may be over, the general election will likely bring its own set of challenges. With Ogles’s inclination towards controversy and his penchant for headline-grabbing stunts, the coming months promise to be anything but dull. Tennessee voters better buckle up; it looks like the Andy Ogles show is far from its final act.