Republican Brandon Ogles, former state representative from Williamson County and a cousin of 5th District Tennessee GOP Congressman Andy Ogles, has opted out of the 7th District special election for Congress. Ogles had pulled the necessary paperwork and collected sufficient signatures to run, but at the last minute chose not to file.

A large field of candidates for the seat recently vacated by Congressman Mark Green remains committed to the race. Direct mail and radio ads have already begun for those seeking the GOP nomination on October 7.  The general election date is December 2. Television ads are expected to begin this week. 

The recently announced retirement of Rogers Anderson, Williamson County Mayor, apparently factored into Ogles decision. He will likely be tempted in that direction for his next political opportunity. The Williamson County General Election for County Mayor will be in August 2026, and Ogles is expected to run.

Steve Gill is Publisher of TriStar Daily.