Country musician John Rich is actively participating in Tennessee’s upcoming special elections, gaining attention in what is shaping up to be a competitive GOP primary. Rich, known as one half of the duo Big & Rich, is joining forces with his longtime friend, Rep. Jody Barrett, for this campaign.
“I’ve known Jody since high school—we actually graduated from the same school, can you believe it?” Rich shared during an interview. “We’ve stayed friends over the years, and in the last four or five years, as Jody has worked as a state representative, we’ve come together. Jody is deeply embedded in the political landscape, while I’m more of an outsider with a significant platform.”
Barrett is among ten Republicans aiming to secure a spot in the primary on October 7th, with the general election set for December 2nd. In Tennessee’s deeply Republican 7th district, the winner of the GOP primary is likely to have a strong advantage.
Earlier this week, Barrett stood out as the only Republican invited to discuss his candidacy during a local event focused on prosperity in Tennessee, appearing alongside other candidates including Rep. Gino Bruso and former state official Matt Van Epps.
Rich noted that he not only stands with Barrett at campaign events, but he has also voiced his support to influential figures. “I’ve texted the president multiple times about Jody, saying things like, ‘You’d want this guy in Congress. He aligns with your vision.’ I’d like to see President Trump take a more active role in this race,” Rich remarked. However, he added that Trump might be holding off on endorsements until after the primary concludes.
Barrett has generally backed Trump’s policies, though he took a notable stance against the president’s Covid-19 vaccine initiative during a debate, arguing about potential injuries linked to the vaccine. Despite this, Rich expressed confidence in Barrett’s connections within Tennessee’s GOP, applauding him for his willingness to challenge certain party stances when necessary. “If our party strays from the right path, we need to call it out,” he said. “Jody is committed to representing what his constituents want.”
Rich also reflected on the rarity of having known someone for so long, stating, “When you find out they’ve remained true to their values for decades, that’s hard to come by.”
Barrett has received support from the House Freedom Fund, emphasizing his commitment to conservative principles. He expressed gratitude for Rich’s endorsement, highlighting their friendship and Rich’s advocacy for Trump and conservative values.
