Who's In the Race

A Molder campaign-commissioned poll released Oct. 8 showed Republican Charlie Hatcher leading Democrat Chaz Molder 46% to 41% among likely voters, with 11% undecided. ​

Hatcher and Molder face independents Micheál O'Leary and James A. Johnson in Tennessee's 5th Congressional District on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Hatcher, a fifth-generation dairy farmer, veterinarian and former state agriculture commissioner, defeated incumbent Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) in the Aug. 6 Republican primary, 53.2% to 46.8%.

Molder, Columbia's mayor and an attorney, won the Democratic primary with approximately 41%, defeating four opponents. O'Leary owns a Nashville pub and previously served as mayor of Culver City, California.

What They Stand For

Hatcher has emphasized lowering costs for families, farmers and small businesses while working with the Trump administration, according to the Tennessee Lookout. He supports infrastructure investment in energy, water, wastewater systems and roads, protecting American agriculture from unfair trade practices and opposing federal renewable-energy subsidies that artificially increase demand.

Molder supports banning congressional stock trading, lowering housing, grocery, and health care costs, protecting collective bargaining rights, and expanding access to health insurance. He advocates supporting rural hospitals and preventive care. Molder has criticized President Donald Trump's tariffs and social-service cuts and said Tennessee's abortion restrictions go too far, according to the Nashville Banner.

O'Leary campaigns as an independent, emphasizing independence from party leadership and corporate campaign contributions.

The Money Behind the Race

Federal Election Commission filings show Molder reported $2.6 million in receipts and $1.48 million in cash on hand through July 17, with approximately $32,786 in debt. Hatcher reported $719,503 in receipts and $104,821 in cash on hand, with no debt. Outside spending reportedly totaled $828,000 as of Oct. 8, including about $791,000 from the Freedom Caucus Fund and $34,000 from the Progress Fund. Much of the spending occurred during the Republican primary.

Race Outlook: Ratings and Betting Markets

The Cook Political Report, Sabato's Crystal Ball and Inside Elections rated the race Solid Republican as of Sept. 25, Sept. 29 and Oct. 2, respectively. Kalshi also maintains a market for the contest.

Ogles won approximately 56% in 2022 and 57% in 2024. Republicans won eight of Tennessee's nine House seats in both elections. Trump carried Tennessee with approximately 64% in 2024.

Voter registration closed Oct. 5. Early voting runs Oct. 14-29, with hours varying locally. Absentee-ballot requests must be received by Oct. 24. Election Day polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

---

AllCiv makes it easy to stay politically informed and involved.

---

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article