Charlie Hatcher (right) listens to remarks from his opponent, Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, during a forum in Spring Hill, Oct. 21, 2026

Charlie Hatcher (right) listens to remarks from his opponent, Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, during a forum in Spring Hill, Oct. 21, 2026.

The contest for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District is proving to be one of the state’s most competitive races, as Republican nominee Charlie Hatcher struggles to defend some President Donald Trump policies that he admits are hurting Americans' wallets.

Following successful gerrymandering efforts by the state’s Republican supermajority, the 5th — which until 2022 was a Democratic stronghold encompassing Davidson County — now has a completely different look. It includes the western half of Williamson County, along with all or portions of 16 other counties, stretching to Memphis. The winner of this race will succeed outgoing U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, who was defeated by Hatcher in August’s Republican primary.