Candidates for federal and state legislative posts will compete for their parties’ nominations in primaries in Tennessee. In the 5th Congressional District on Thursday, first-term congressman and House Freedom Caucus member Andy Ogles faces a tough Republican primary challenge from metro Nashville-area Councilwoman Courtney Johnston. For U.S. Senate, Republican incumbent Marsha Blackburn is favored in her primary as she seeks a second term. State Rep. Gloria Johnson and three other Democrats hope to challenge Blackburn in November. In 2023, Johnson was almost expelled from office following a demonstration on the House floor on gun control.