Tennessee U.S. Congress election: Meet Courtney Johnston, candidate for House District 5
Editor's note: The Tennessean Editorial Board invited candidates for the 2024 congressional elections to fill out our questionnaire. They include biographical information and answers to 11 questions on variety of topics from key policy issues to their recommendation for visitors on what to see or do in their congressional districts.
Election Guide: Learn about candidates running in Aug. 1 Tennessee primary election for U.S. Congress
Key dates:
July 2: Voter registration deadline
July 12-27: Early voting
July 25: Deadline to request absentee ballot
Aug. 1: Primary election
Nov. 5: General election
Biographical Information
Name: Courtney Johnston
Which office are you seeking? U.S. House District 5. One of two Republicans in the primary election.
Age at the time of election: 45
What city/town in Tennessee do you live in? Nashville, Tennessee
Education: Bachelor of Science from the E.J Ourso College of Business Administration at Louisiana State with a Major in Finance
Job history: I worked at Deutsche Bank where I worked in debt service and as a debt reorganization specialist, primarily for corporate and municipal clients. I resigned from that role to pursue a career in music, which led to me to work in the restaurant and catering business. I ended up starting my own restaurant and catering business and eventually sold that business. After meeting my husband who is a general contractor, I became a real estate agent and have enjoyed that work for 10 years now.
Family: I’m married to my husband Danny of 7 years. Unfortunately, we were unable to have children. My mother moved here from my hometown in Louisiana in 2021 after my stepfather passed away and I’ve enjoyed having her so close. Danny and I have several siblings between us and many, many nephews and nieces that we enjoy immensely!
11 questions for the candidates
Why are you running for this office?
I’ve served on the Metro Council for 5 years and I’ve seen the difference between do nothing grandstanders and serious legislators who are there for the right reasons – to get things done. Weak and ineffective Republicans like (District 5 incumbent) Andy Ogles have gone to Washington to chase headlines and cause chaos. I’m running for Congress because Middle Tennessee deserves someone in Congress who can protect conservative values, deliver results for taxpayers, and represent Middle Tennessee with character.
What makes you qualified to hold this office and better qualified than your opponent(s)?
I have a proven track record of getting things done, despite being politically outnumbered on the Metro Council. I’ve fought against tax hikes, stood up for public safety and law enforcement, cleaned up our parks, and brought much needed resources to my district. The difference between me and my opponent is that I’m honest, an effective leader and a serious legislator that delivers results. In stark contrast, Andy Ogles has accomplished nothing, lied about his resume and finances, and used your taxpayer dollars to tout falsehoods about his legislative record. The truth is he hasn’t passed a single bill of his own. Middle Tennessee deserves better.
If you are elected (or re-elected), what are your top 2 to 3 priorities for your new (or next) term in office?
Securing the our border, focusing on fiscal responsibility, and focusing on policies to help reduce inflation and the cost of living for Americans
What are you hearing most from voters about what they want you to accomplish, if elected?
The refrain I hear most often is that voters want a Member of Congress who is respectable and will get results. They are tired of a do-nothing, grandstander who fails to get anything done. I look forward to continuing my service in Washington, DC as I have already in my district here in Nashville by focusing on results, getting things done and representing District 5 with integrity.
Are you satisfied with the direction of the country? Explain why.
Absolutely not. The Biden Administration has wreaked havoc on the middle class, causing inflation to spiral out of control and created an economy where the American dream is out of reach for too many people. The border is wide open - a threat to our national security both from a safety and economic perspective.
What is your assessment of the performance of the President Joe Biden over the last four years?
Thanks to President Biden, we are weaker as a nation. We have open borders, we are a weaker nation internationally, and inflation is out of control. We cannot afford another four years of America-last policy.
How should the U.S. approach foreign policy goals as it pertains to regions, nations and conflicts such as China, Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war?
Israel is our only ally in the region and we should defend their right to exist. Hamas is a terrorist group that should be wiped off the face of the Earth. The Biden Administration has failed to define what winning looks like in Ukraine and spent billions with very little accountability. We must reduce our dependence on the Chinese Communist Party. Medical supplies, batteries, debt, just to name a few things - we are far too reliant on a country that is not an ally. And beyond that, we’re letting them buy up farmland and residential properties at an alarming pace. We have to be smarter.
Americans in recent polling say immigration is one of the top issues, if not the most important issue, facing the U.S. What should Congress do to address the immigration and border security?
Americans are right. If we don’t have a border, then we don’t have a country. Send me to Congress and I’ll fight to stop the invasion at the Southern border. Drugs, cartels, traffickers, terrorists – all pouring across the border daily. I’d vote to secure the border – send in the military if we have to. But we have to secure the border and we have to do it now. Further, we have to reform our immigration policy. I know many people that have come across legally and received citizenship. It takes far too long and is far too expensive which only encourages folks to come illegally.
What else do you want voters to know about you that will help them make an informed decision on Election Day?
My heart is in public service, not chasing headlines. I got into public service in 2019 because I saw we needed better representation and resources in my district, and a focus on public safety and fiscal responsibility across the county. I vowed then to set aside my real estate career to focus on the needs of my district and city and that’s exactly what I’ve done. The people in my district have received my undivided attention for 5 years and they can see and feel the difference my service and my presence in the district has made. I get things done.
A "fun" question: When visitors ask you, "What should I do in Tennessee or your specific community?" what are the top 2 or 3 things or places you recommend?
It’s hard to narrow it down! Lately, I have thoroughly enjoyed attending many community oriented small town events. Mule Day in Columbia is a tradition that began in the 1800s. The entire city comes together and celebrates and I had a ball from beginning to end! Rock the Block in downtown Lebanon is relatively new and a lot of fun – bands, food trucks, shops and restaurants on the Square all participate and it was fun to see people hanging out with friends and neighbors from all over the area. Every community has something to offer in their unique way and I would encourage visitors to check out the local newspapers and such to see what each community has going on. From festivals to gorgeous parks and everything in between, Middle Tennessee has so much to offer.
Will you commit to being civil in how you present yourself and the way you interact with opponents and others? (Our definition of civility is being a good, active, honest and respectable citizen)
Yes
Call Opinion and Engagement Director David Plazas at (615) 259-8063, email him at dplazas@tennessean.com or find him on X at @davidplazas.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee election for Congress: Courtney Johnston, House District 5
