The Tennessee Republican Party on Tuesday voted to remove Trump-backed House candidate Morgan Ortagus and two others from the primary ballot for failing to adhere to the party's bylaws.
The Tennessee GOP's State Executive Committee voted to boot Ortagus, a former Fox News commentator and Trump State Department spokesperson, from the August primary ballot in the state's 5th congressional district after months of Republican infighting over her campaign bid, according to NBC News. Trump in February gave Ortagus his "complete and total endorsement," even though she had just moved to Tennessee in 2021 and only took up residence in the 5th district in March. Prominent Trump allies like Rep. Madison Cawthorn, R-N.C., and Candace Owens revolted over the endorsement, criticizing Trump for not backing MAGA favorite Robby Starbuck, a former music video producer and conservative influencer — who was also booted from the ballot in Tuesday's vote by the state party.
