Ogles faces challengers from right and left amid money woes
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Charlie Hatcher. Photo: Courtesy of the state of Tennessee
U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, a Republican, will have to fend off a viable primary challenger for the second election cycle in a row.
- Charlie Hatcher, a businessperson, farmer and former state Department of Agriculture commissioner under Gov. Bill Lee, unveiled his candidacy for Ogles' District 5 seat.
Why it matters: Hatcher's entrance into the race comes alongside another lackluster fundraising quarter for Ogles.
Driving the news: Hatcher's initial campaign message played up his farming bona fides.
- He described himself as "farm strong, farm tough and farm smart" while also saying President Trump "would have been a fantastic farmer."
- Hatcher's wealth and ties to Republican donors figure to provide the money necessary to bankroll his campaign.
What he's saying: While mostly touting his own resume, Hatcher did take a swipe at Ogles in his debut messaging.
- "Think what President Trump could do if our congressman spent less time talking and more time doing," Hatcher said on his campaign site.
By the numbers: Dealing with controversies related to campaign finance discrepancies, Ogles filed back-to-back paltry fundraising numbers.
- On his most recent disclosure statement on Oct. 15, Ogles reported $57,916 on hand against $70,368 in campaign debt. He also started a separate fundraising account to pay for his legal defense fund.
Yes, but: Ogles has overcome financial disadvantages before. He won a crowded primary in 2022 for the newly drawn District 5 seat, which represents a large portion of Davidson County.
- He also fended off a well-funded challenge from Metro Councilmember Courtney Johnston in last year's primary before winning reelection in a landslide.
- There's also the possibility of an endorsement of Ogles by President Trump, who recently tilted the scales in the District 7 primary by backing Matt Van Epps.
Meanwhile: Democratic District 5 candidate, Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, turned in a stellar initial fundraising report.
- Molder reported raising over $795,000, including $500,000 in the first 24 hours of his campaign, Nashville Scene reports.
What's next: The primary election takes place in August 2026.
- A clearer look at Hatcher's fundraising compared with Ogles' will come with the next round of disclosures in early 2026.