WILL DEMOCRATS TAKE FIVE? Democrats are making it known that they are serious about winning Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee on Monday announced it is adding Democrat Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder to its targeted national “Red to Blue” program for competitive seats.
This marks the campaign group’s official support for Molder, who is joined in the Democratic primary by Metro Council-member Mike Cortese and several others. The DCCC typically does not endorse in primaries, but with Molder having raised more than $1 million for his bid they see him as their best shot to pick up a seat in Tennessee. Republican incumbent Andy Ogles faces a primary challenge from former state Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher. With only about $60,000 cash on hand, Ogles appears vulnerable in both the primary and general election, despite having already bagged an endorsement from President Donald Trump.
LET THEM PLAY. Tennessee lawmakers in the State Senate passed a bill on Monday that would let certain private school students try out for sports at their zoned public high schools, with an important amendment added. If a student lives within the geographic boundaries of the local education agency, is enrolled in a private high school with fewer than 200 students, and meets the athletic Association’s eligibility rules, then they could try out at the public high school they are zoned to attend. They would still have to make the team but would have the opportunity to participate in tryouts. This would put students attending small private schools on the same footing as those who are being homeschooled.
Critics of the bill say that students have to choose one path, and that allowing them to pick a private school for academics while still participating in public school sports allows them to “double dip.”
The House must agree to the specific provisions passed in the Senate in order for the Bill to move to the Governor for signature. If passed, it would take affect for the 2025-26 school year.
BUTT SECURES MAURY COUNTY GOP NOMINATION FOR RE-ELECTION; HOWARD RUNNING AS INDEPENDENT. It initially appeared that Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt would face republican opposition in her bid for another term from county commissioner Gabe Howard.
However, Butt easily secured the GOP nomination at a party caucus on Saturday and will move forward to a May general election. Howard detailed his opposition to the caucus process (as opposed to a primary vote) last Friday and stated that he will proceed to run for County Mayor as an independent, although he points out he is still a bona fide Republican and has not changed his conservative Republican views.
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