Morgan Ortagus, a former State Department spokeswoman, has had an interesting journey to her Jewish faith and a career in politics.
This article will explore her background, her conversion to Judaism, and her political career, including her recent foray into Tennessee politics.
Early life and education
Ortagus was born and raised in Auburndale, a small city midway between Orlando and Tampa.
She was a first-generation student at Florida Southern College, where she initially studied music with aspirations of becoming an opera singer.
However, her interest in politics grew after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and she changed her major to political science.
Conversion to Judaism
Ortagus’s journey to Judaism began when she started college in Baghdad.
While living in a war zone in 2007, she felt the need to find some religion and connected with her Jewish heritage.
She converted to Judaism and has since become an observant Jew.
Political career
Ortagus’s political career has taken her to various postings around the world, including in Baghdad and Riyadh.
She served in the intelligence community and the Treasury Department under former President Trump.
As a political organization for conservative young business professionals, she turned MavPAC into a new frontier, embracing gender parity.
Tennessee politics
Ortagus moved to the Nashville area from Washington, DC, and decided to run for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District.
She has faced backlash from Tennessee Republicans, including a residency requirement challenge and efforts to remove her from the primary ballot.
Despite these challenges, Ortagus has continued her campaign, raising nearly $600,000 in the first six weeks and earning praise from notable figures like Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Antisemitism accusations
During her Tennessee campaign, Ortagus has been accused of carpetbagging by critics, including several state lawmakers who backed a new three-year residency requirement for Tennessee.
However, these accusations have not impacted her candidacy, and she has responded to them by stating that her critics should be ashamed of their anti-Semitic rhetoric.
Future prospects
Ortagus’s political future remains uncertain as she navigates the challenges of the Tennessee primary and the potential impact of the residency requirement on her campaign.
Regardless of the outcome, her journey to Judaism and her political career demonstrate her resilience and dedication to her faith and her passion for politics.
Conclusion
Ortagus’s life and political career showcase her diverse background, her conv ersion to Judaism, and her determination to succeed in the political arena.
Despite the challenges she has faced, she continues to make her mark in politics and inspire others with her story.
FAQ
Who is Morgan Ortagus?
Ortagus is an American television commentator, financial analyst, and political adviser who served as spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State from 2019 to 2021.
She previously held government positions as a deputy attaché and intelligence analyst at the U.S. Department of the Treasury and as a public affairs officer at U.S. Agency for International Development.
What is Morgan Ortagus’s educational background?
She was a first-generation student at Florida Southern College, where she initially studied music with aspirations of becoming an opera singer.
However, her interest in politics grew after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and she changed her major to political science.
What is Morgan Ortagus’s religious background?
Ortagus converted to Judaism while living in Baghdad in 2007.
She has since become an observant Jew.
What is POLARIS National Security?
POLARIS National Security is a consulting firm founded by Ortagus that provides strategic advice to clients on national security issues.
What is Morgan Ortagus’s political affiliation?
She is a Republican.
What is Morgan Ortagus’s current political campaign?
Ortagus is running for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District in the Republican primary.
What challenges has Morgan Ortagus faced in her political campaign?
She has faced backlash from Tennessee Republicans, including a residency requirement challenge and efforts to remove her from the primary ballot.
What is Morgan Ortagus’s stance on anti-Semitism?
Ortagus has spoken out against anti-Semitism and has accused her critics of using anti-Semitic rhetoric.
What is the National Independent Panel on Military Service and Readiness?
The National Independent Panel on Military Service and Readiness is a report that discusses the promotion of critical race theory in the military.
What is Morgan Ortagus’s future in politics?
Ortagus’s political future remains uncertain as she navigates the challenges of the Tennessee primary and the potential impact of the residency requirement on her campaign.
