Chaz Molder, the mayor of Columbia, is running as a Democrat for the U.S. House of Representatives in Tennessee's 5th Congressional District. The general election is Nov. 3, 2026.

Molder faces Republican Charlie Hatcher, along with independents James A. Johnson and Micheál O'Leary, according to BallotReady election data.

Molder said on his campaign website that he is running to bring the approach he has taken as mayor to Congress, focusing on affordability, healthcare access and government trust.

Candidate information

  • Party: Democratic
  • Education: Bachelor's degree, University of Tennessee, Knoxville; juris doctor, University of Memphis
  • Occupation: Attorney at Mounger & Molder, PLLC (since 2015, according to BallotReady)

Experience and public service

Molder said on his campaign website that he was elected mayor of Columbia in 2018, making him the youngest mayor in Tennessee at the time and the youngest in the city's more than 200-year history. He is also an attorney.

As mayor, Molder said he has passed eight balanced budgets with no property tax increases while investing in education and public safety. He said he saved taxpayers $10.5 million through fiscal management and made infrastructure investments. He also said he formed the Columbia Mayor's Youth Council.

On the issues

The following positions are drawn from Molder's campaign website and his responses on BallotReady. All statements reflect the candidate's own claims.

Affordability and the economy

Molder said he is dedicated to championing affordability for Tennessee families, farmers and seniors. He said that means advocating for policies that lower everyday expenses such as healthcare, housing and groceries. He also said he would stand up for workers' right to organize and strengthen labor protections.

Healthcare

Molder said access to affordable healthcare is a basic right. He said he is committed to fighting for lower healthcare costs and ensuring rural hospitals receive the support they need to stay open. He said he wants to expand health insurance coverage and invest in preventive services.

Government ethics

Molder said he would advocate for a ban on stock trading by members of Congress. The goal, he said, is ensuring leaders prioritize constituents over personal gain.

Endorsements

The following endorsements are reported by BallotReady:

  • AFL-CIO
  • The League of Conservation Voters
  • Red to Blue, a program of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
  • New Democrat Coalition
  • Democrats Work for America
  • Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee

Candidate positions and biographical details are drawn from the candidate's campaign website and BallotReady. The Duck River Sentinel did not interview the candidate for this profile.