On Monday, a former Trump administration official announced she is throwing her hat into the ring and running for Congress. Morgan Ortagus, a former State Department spokesperson is running in Tennessee’s open Fifth District.
The Daily Caller reports:
Ortagus, an active duty Naval Reserve Officer, also worked in the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Treasury Department, and as a Fox News contributor. More recently, she received a tryout as the conservative host on “The View,” following the departure of Meghan McCain. Ortagus is currently a senior advisor at the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security.
“As a U.S. Navy Reserve Officer, I am answering the call to service, and I will never back down from fighting for my country and the good people of Tennessee to stand for American greatness. I’m grateful to have President Trump’s support, and I look forward to earning your vote and standing with you to protect our conservative values,” Ortagus said in a statement.
A Florida native, Ortagus is an investor in the Nashville-based healthcare investment firm Rubicon Partners, according to The Nashville Tennessean.
Ortagus is the fourth Republican candidate to declare for the seat, which will be open following the retirement of Democratic Rep. Jim Cooper. Nashville and its suburbs were split into three different districts by the Tennessee legislature, shifting the Fifth District right by 32 points, according to FiveThirtyEight.
Ortagus was further convinced to make the run for Congress after former President Trump preemptively issued her endorsement through his Save America PAC.
“I am told the very strong and impressive Morgan Ortagus is exploring a run for Congress in Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District. I couldn’t be happier because she’s an absolute warrior for America First and MAGA! Morgan was fantastic in her role working with Secretary Mike Pompeo at the U.S. State Department and understands the threats posed by China, Russia, Iran and others, and will be tough, not just roll over like the Democrats and RINOs. She serves in the U.S. Navy Reserves and will fight for our Military. She won’t bow to the Woke Mob or the Leftist LameStream Media. Morgan Ortagus will have my Complete and Total Endorsement if she decides to run!” Trump wrote.
