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GOP Rep. Andy Ogles faces reelection amid FBI campaign finance probe

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GOP Rep. Andy Ogles faces reelection amid FBI campaign finance probe

Andy Ogles, a freshman Republican from Tennessee, is hoping to retain his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives amid an FBI investigation into alleged discrepancies in his 2022 campaign finances.

As the first-term congressman seeks reelection, he will face a strong challenge from Democrat Maryam Abolfazli, a progressive advocate from Nashville, in a district that has become increasingly competitive following recent redistricting.

Ogles, a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, confirmed in August that federal agents had seized his cellphone as part of an ongoing investigation into his campaign’s financial filings.

The inquiry stems from reported inconsistencies in Ogles’ 2022 records, including a $320,000 loan he initially reported making to his campaign.

Newsweek has contacted Ogles’ office for comment via email.

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U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles speaks to supporters after being declared the winner in his Republican primary race, Aug. 1, 2024, in Franklin, Tennessee. He is hoping to fend off Democratic opponent Maryam Abolfazli in Tennessee…


Mark Humphrey/AP, file

What is Andy Ogles Accused Of?

Ogles later amended his filings, lowering the figure to $20,000, and explained that the larger amount had been a pledge, not an actual loan, which he claimed was mistakenly included in the reports.

In addition to the phone seizure, FBI agents obtained a warrant to access Ogles’ personal email account.

However, according to court documents, investigators have yet to review the contents of the account.

Ogles has publicly stated that he is fully cooperating with the investigation and believes the discrepancies were the result of honest errors.

Why is Nashville Left-Leaning?

The scrutiny follows an ethics complaint filed in January 2023 by the Campaign Legal Center, which raised concerns about potential violations related to his personal and campaign finances.

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Democratic congressional candidate Maryam Abolfazli greets voters on primary election day, Aug. 1, 2024, at the Christ Church Nashville polling place in Nashville, Tennessee. Abolfazli is from Nashville and started Rise and Shine TN, a…


Jonathan Matisse/AP, file

The nonprofit, which advocates for transparency in political funding, compared Ogles’ situation to that of embattled New York Rep. George Santos, who has faced numerous investigations into his own campaign finances.

Ogles represents Tennessee’s 5th District, a Republican-leaning area that includes a portion of the liberal-leaning city of Nashville and stretches through five more conservative counties.

Although the district remains solidly Republican, the influence of Nashville’s progressive voters, combined with shifting national political dynamics, has created a potentially more competitive race than in the past.

In the 2022 election, Ogles won the seat by more than 13 percentage points, a result bolstered by the Republican-led redrawing of the state’s congressional districts after the 2020 census.

Lawmakers split Nashville into three separate districts, forcing longtime Democratic Rep. Jim Cooper into retirement and shifting the state’s congressional delegation to an overwhelming GOP majority.

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Ogles’ district now includes part of the newly drawn 5th District, which spans from the Democratic stronghold of Nashville through more conservative rural counties. The redistricting was seen as a strategic move by Republicans to strengthen their hold on the state’s congressional seats.

Ogles faces a tough challenge from Maryam Abolfazli, a Nashville-based nonprofit leader and activist.

Who is Maryam Abolfazli?

Abolfazli, the founder of Rise and Shine TN, has been a vocal advocate for stronger gun control in the wake of the tragic shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville in March 2023, which left six people dead, including three children.

Since entering Congress, Ogles has become known for his vocal opposition to the Biden administration and his alignment with the most conservative factions of the Republican Party.

Beyond his financial controversies, Ogles has faced criticism for past statements about his educational background.

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After a news outlet questioned his claim of holding an international relations degree, Ogles admitted to overstating his credentials, saying he was “mistaken” about his academic history.

Ogles, a former mayor of Maury County and state director for the conservative group Americans for Prosperity, remains a staunch defender of conservative policies.

He has filed multiple articles of impeachment against President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, citing their administration’s policies on border security, the economy, and other issues.

Following Biden’s announcement that he would not seek reelection in 2024, Ogles introduced new articles of impeachment targeting Harris.

As the race in Tennessee’s 5th District heats up, Ogles’ ability to navigate the FBI investigation, manage his financial controversies, and hold onto his conservative base will be key to his chances of securing a second term.

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This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press

Finance

Rodriguez fires campaign manager over finance filing issues – Civic Media

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Rodriguez fires campaign manager over finance filing issues – Civic Media

MADISON, Wis. (Civic Media) – Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, a Democratic candidate for governor, fired her campaign manager Sunday after discovering problems with campaign finance filings, her campaign said.

The campaign said the person was terminated effective immediately following an internal review that found “serious mismanagement and inaccuracies” in reports they prepared. Staff identified the issues late last week and alerted Rodriguez, who then moved to secure campaign accounts and remove the staffer.

The campaign said it plans to contact the Wisconsin Ethics Commission on Monday to correct the filings ahead of a key reporting deadline Wednesday.

Full statement below.

“The Sara Rodriguez for Wisconsin campaign has terminated its campaign manager, effective today, after discovering serious mismanagement and inaccuracies in campaign finance filings she prepared. An initial review found that the manager filed inaccurate and incomplete campaign finance reports. The campaign will be in contact with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission first thing Monday morning to ensure the inaccuracies are corrected. The moment Sara learned of these inaccuracies, she acted swiftly and decisively removed her. The campaign will continue to build support to win in August and beat Tom Tiffany in November.”

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Wedding budget: How to decide what to spend on your big day

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Wedding budget: How to decide what to spend on your big day

Weddings, and the amount they cost, can run the gamut from a small, DIY ceremony in the backyard to a massive bash that shuts down Madison Square Garden. Obviously, the latter may only be within reach for certain pop stars and their football-playing partners, but that still leaves a wide range for how much you and your soon-to-be spouse could potentially spend.

When making the determination, it is important to weigh two things: making your big day a special one and honoring your financial reality. Your wedding may mark the start of your next chapter, but your finances are what will largely shape your future as a married couple.

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Finance

PERSONAL FINANCE: Finance 101 — the lessons every college-bound kid should learn now

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PERSONAL FINANCE: Finance 101 — the lessons every college-bound kid should learn  now

Sending a child to college marks an important milestone for families, bringing both new opportunities and natural questions. It’s often the first time students manage money independently while balancing classes, new responsibilities and newfound freedom. This transition also creates a valuable opportunity for parents to guide and teach their children how to build strong financial habits.

While it’s easy to focus on major expenses like tuition and housing, the everyday financial behaviors students develop during this time can shape their future long after graduation. College presents an ideal environment to introduce foundational financial skills in a real-world setting where the stakes are manageable, but the lessons are meaningful. The following areas highlight key lessons parents can help reinforce as their child begins this new chapter.

Understanding cash flow matters more than ever

For many students, college marks the first time money is not simply “there” when they need it. Whether funds come from a checking account, part-time work, or family support, learning how to track income and expenses is essential. Teaching students to understand the difference between fixed costs, like rent or meal plans, and flexible spending, like entertainment or dining out, can help them avoid running short before the semester ends. A simple budget can be a helpful tool that builds awareness and confidence.

Credit is powerful

Credit cards are often heavily marketed to young adults, but few understand how credit really works. College-bound students should recognize that credit is not additional income; interest can accumulate quickly, and payment history plays a critical role. Developing habits like paying balances on time, keeping utilization measured, and regularly reviewing statements can help build strong credit rather than costly missteps. These early behaviors often shape long-term financial health.

Saving is not just for later — it supports flexibility

Students may assume saving can wait until after graduation, but even modest savings during college can serve an important purpose. Emergency expenses, unexpected travel home, or gaps between part-time income can derail finances quickly without a cushion. Understanding the value of saving, even in small amounts, helps students experience firsthand how preparation creates options and reduces stress.

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Financial decisions reflect values

College is often when young adults begin defining what matters most to them. Encouraging students to think about how they spend money, and why, can help align spending with personal priorities. Whether it means minimizing debt, prioritizing experiences, or saving for future goals, learning to make intentional choices fosters independence and accountability.

The goal is not perfection, but to equip students with practical tools and a healthy relationship with money as they enter adulthood. For parents, this means maintaining open conversations, setting realistic expectations, and providing ongoing guidance that can help build confidence in financial decision-making. For families navigating this transition, a financial advisor can provide clarity, outline long-term implications, and help balance education goals with future financial independence.

Bronwyn L. Martin is a Financial Advisor and Chartered Financial Consultant with Martin’s Financial Consulting Group, a financial wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services LLC. in Kennett Square, Pa. and Havre de Grace, Md. She specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for over 25 years. To contact her: www.ameripriseadvisors.com/bronwyn.x.martin.

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