Nashville mayoral candidate Freddie O’Connell has tested positive for COVID-19 along with at least 8 other members of the Metro Council, according to reports.
The group of council members infected with the virus all gathered at last week’s council meeting on Tuesday, August 15.
In a statement to WKRN News 2, O’Connell’s campaign confirmed, “He does have COVID, but he’s feeling fine and we’ve counted up 8 others from council who have COVID as well.”
At-large council member Bob Mendes – who endorsed O’Connell in the mayoral race – is among the infected group, as he wrote in a social media post, “I’m in that group who has COVID. I’ve heard of several non-CMs who were at the Tuesday meeting and also have COVID now. This is so on brand for 2019-2023 Metro Council term! I hope everyone recovers fully and quickly. Be careful out there everyone.”
O’Connell’s positive test comes as he and his opponent Alice Rolli are scheduled to participate in a forum held by WKRN on Tuesday, August 22 and another held by WTVF and The Tennessean on Thursday, August 24. The candidates are also scheduled to participate in a 92Q Forum with Ernie Allen on Monday, August 28 and two additional forums held by WPLN and WSMV – with dates yet to be determined.
The Nashville mayoral runoff election between Rolli and Freddie O’Connell is scheduled for Thursday, September 14.
O’Connell has served as a member of the Metro Nashville Council since 2015 and describes himself as the “only truly progressive candidate for Mayor.”
Rolli, a Republican, was the former assistant commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development in the administration of Governor Bill Haslam.
Out of 101,245 votes cast in the mayoral election earlier this month, O’Connell received 27,470 votes (27.1 percent), while Rolli received 20,458 votes (20.2 percent).
– – –
Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
Image “Freddie O’Connell” by Freddie O’Connell.
Those vaccines work really well don’t they.
As we approach the election year of course the left is amping up the covid fear mongering. Got to keep the mail in ballots viable so they can cheat AGAIN. With the exception of people who are immune compromised, anyone who falls for the covid BS and masking mandates is a fool. Everyone needs to refuse to follow any mandates.
Freddie O’Connell, the “only truly progressive candidate for Mayor.”
” . . . the only truly socialist candidate for Mayor.” There. Fixed it.
“He does have COVID, but he’s feeling fine…”
I’m sure that’s one of the symptoms. Just ask No-License “Dr.” Birx.