The upcoming special election in Tennessee is gaining momentum, with country music star John Rich throwing his weight behind a candidate in the increasingly crowded GOP primary race.
Rich, one half of the renowned duo Big & Rich, is actively campaigning for his old friend, state Rep. Jody Barrett, who is vying to fill the seat vacated by former Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green in Tennessees 7th Congressional District.
In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Rich shared, "I've known Jody, believe this or not, since we were seniors in high school together. We actually graduated from the same high school."
He continued, "We kept in touch, stayed good friends. But in the past four or five years, Jody has been a state rep in Tennessee. And so issues that were happening in Tennessee, Jody and I would join forces, him kind of on the inside of the political world and me standing on the outside with a really big platform and big audience. And we would work together, hand in hand, arm in arm, to make things happen."
Barrett is among ten Republicans hoping to succeed Green in the primary slated for October 7. The general election is set for December 2.
However, in the staunchly conservative 7th District, where President Donald Trump triumphed by over 20 points in 2024, the GOP primary victor is likely to prevail.
According to Tennessee Lookout, Barrett, along with state Rep. Gino Bulso, state Rep. Lee Reeves, and former Tennessee General Services Commissioner Matt Van Epps, were the only Republicans invited to a recent debate hosted by Americans for Prosperity Tennessee.
Rich disclosed to Fox News Digital that he has not only campaigned with Barrett but has also recommended the conservative House hopeful to Trump. "I've actually texted the president a couple of times about Jody. I said, You're going to want this guy in Congress. I mean, this is one of your guys. And so I'm hoping President Trump, maybe he weighs in on this race," Rich stated.
However, he acknowledged that Trump might refrain from endorsing until after the primary.
While Barrett has backed Trump on numerous issues, he notably diverged from the presidents COVID-19 vaccine initiative, Operation Warp Speed, during the recent debate. "We have millions of Americans now who are vaccine injured, dealing with the results of this vaccine mandate," Barrett stated.
Despite this, Rich praised Barrett for resonating with Tennessee Republicans and for his willingness to challenge the GOP establishment when necessary. "What I love about real conservatives is we will call out people in our own party if we think they're making a mistake, if they're on the wrong path," Rich said.
"Whereas on the left, they just fall in line and do whatever they're told every single time. Jody has proven that he will stand up for what his people want."
Rich further endorsed Barrett's conservative credentials, stating, "Hes legit. I mean, we start talking about what's a conservative look like? It's this guy. And again, when you've known somebody since you were 17, and now you're in your early 50s, and they're the same guy, that's pretty rare."
Barrett has also secured the endorsement of the House Freedom Fund, the political wing of the House Freedom Caucus. Allison Weisenberger of the House Freedom Fund told Fox News Digital, "Jody Barretts strong conservative record of leadership, not only standing up to Democrats, but also his own party when the RINOs get out of line, is exactly what House Freedom Fund looks for in a candidate."
Barrett expressed his gratitude for Rich's endorsement, stating, "John Rich is my lifelong friend, a proud Tennessean, a country music legend and one of President Trumps strongest supporters in our state. Having his endorsement means a lot, because he has never been afraid to speak the truth and stand up for conservative values."
As the race heats up, it's clear that Barrett's conservative credentials and high-profile endorsements are positioning him as a strong contender in the GOP primary.
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