The 5th District deserves better than Andy Ogles. Here's why.

Yahoo

4 hours ago

When I heard that U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles held a press conference at the State Capitol on Memorial Day, my first reaction was, "I guess he does know where Nashville is."
Now in his second term, the 5th District Congressman has been scarce in the northernmost part of his district. Usually, you'll find him in Washington, at a Republican Party event in Williamson or Maury Counties, or on the other end of a telephone town hall where he can control the narrative and screen the questions.
When he did make the trip to Nashville, he was in a locked building, holding constituents outside, while he accused Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell of obstructing justice.
Ogles' accusation stems from the action taken by ICE and the Tennessee Highway Patrol in May that resulted in 468 traffic stops and the arrest of 196 people. According to Ogles, Mayor Freddie O'Connell has "weaponized his office to dox and surveil federal agents trying to stop violent criminals."
For his part, Mayor Freddie O'Connell appears to take seriously his role to look out for all the residents of Nashville, while acknowledging that immigration enforcement can and will be carried out by federal authorities.
Letters: Rep. Andy Ogles' telephone town hall meeting stifled dialogue with constituents
"The trauma inflicted on families is long-lasting, and I'm doing everything in my power consistent with applicable law to protect anyone who calls Nashville home," O'Connell said.
'So yes, I continue to be concerned about the mechanism for these actions," he added, "and I think what they've demonstrated is that they can occur at times and locations of their choosing without our involvement.'
Unfortunately, Ogles' reaction to ask two House committees to open an investigation into the mayor isn't a surprise. After all, he's known more for attention-grabbing stunts – like proposing a constitutional amendment to give President Trump a third term days into his second term – than he is for solving problems.
When the state legislature gerrymandered the House districts, splitting Nashville into three, we were told this would give the city a greater voice in Washington. While most people saw through that thinly veiled argument, it's no less devastating to have representatives who are openly hostile to their constituents.
I wonder how many times Andy Ogles has communicated with the mayor's office before this. What steps has he taken to understand the issues of not only his district, but the biggest, most dynamic city in the state?
More: National Democrats to target US Rep. Andy Ogles as 'vulnerable Republican' in 2026
While the average citizen may struggle to get in touch with him, does he provide access to other elected officials to better understand their concerns, even if they hold differing political views?
Immigration is a complex and challenging issue. There is a broad spectrum of people caught in the outdated and neglected laws of the United States – from known criminals to Dreamers brought to the country as babies. I believe elected officials, including O'Connell, are right to address these concerns with nuance and respect for human dignity.
It would be great if Nashville had a partner in Washington with whom it could collaborate in navigating these issues, even when policy recommendations differ.
I have no faith that Andy Ogles is that person.
I encourage both the Democratic and Republican parties to begin recruiting an alternative for the 2026 election now. I believe in the will of the voters of the 5th District, even if their choice differs from mine. However, the entire district deserves a representative who will be accessible, listen respectfully, and seek solutions rather than engage in ideological grandstanding.
Bob Faricy has lived in Nashville for 25 years, working in marketing leadership roles for various media organizations, including The Tennessean.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: TN Rep. Andy Ogles is known more for stunts than policy | Opinion