In a surprising upset, U.S. Representative Andy Ogles (R-TN) lost his Republican primary on August 6, 2026, to challenger Courtney Johnston. According to verified reports, solar industry political action committees (PACs) played a significant role in his defeat, pouring substantial funds into the race to support Johnston.
The solar industry's involvement stemmed from Ogles' opposition to solar energy initiatives and his support for policies favoring traditional energy sources. PACs such as the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and others contributed to a super PAC that ran advertisements highlighting Johnston's pro-solar stance and criticizing Ogles' record.
Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings show that the solar-backed super PAC spent over $1.2 million in the district, a significant sum for a primary race. This spending helped Johnston, a Nashville-area businesswoman, overcome Ogles' name recognition and incumbency advantage.
Ogles, a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, had drawn criticism from the solar industry for his votes against the Inflation Reduction Act's clean energy provisions and his support for tariffs on solar panel imports. His defeat marks a notable victory for clean energy advocates in a traditionally conservative region.
Johnston will face Democratic nominee Maryam Abolfazli in the November general election. The district is considered safely Republican, making Johnston the likely next representative.
