Charlie Hatcher will represent Spring Hill and Thompson's Station in Congress after winning Tennessee's 5th Congressional District race on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

The Associated Press called the race at 11:23 p.m. with 99% of precincts reporting, according to Main Street Media of Tennessee. Hatcher, a Republican, took 51.7% of the unofficial vote. Democrat Chaz Molder received 46.7%.

Independent candidates James A. Johnson and Micheál O'Leary received 1.2% and 0.4%, respectively.

The 5th District includes partial representation in Williamson and Maury counties as a result of the state's congressional redistricting. That means the outcome directly affects residents in Spring Hill and Thompson's Station.

The race's local ties

During the campaign, Molder challenged Hatcher to a series of three debates. That led to a forum in Spring Hill hosted by the Spring Hill, Maury County and Williamson County chambers of commerce. Hatcher, Molder and O'Leary appeared at the event, according to Main Street Media.

Hatcher, a Williamson County resident, owns Hatcher Family Dairy in College Grove. Main Street Media described him as a 10th-generation farmer who spent 20 years as a livestock veterinarian before serving a decade as Tennessee's state veterinarian.

In 2019, Gov. Bill Lee appointed Hatcher as Tennessee's 38th Commissioner of Agriculture. He held that position until 2025, when he left to run for Congress.

Primary and endorsements

Lee endorsed Hatcher a day before the Aug. 6 Republican primary. Hatcher defeated incumbent Rep. Andy Ogles, who had been endorsed by President Donald Trump. Trump then endorsed Hatcher the following day, according to Main Street Media.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce also endorsed Hatcher for his positions on economic growth and business development.

Platform and what's ahead

Hatcher's platform focused on agricultural protection, border security, domestic energy production and reducing federal spending. In a pre-election Q&A with Main Street Media, Hatcher said his top priority would be "making life more affordable for Tennessee families while protecting the economic opportunities that allow our communities to thrive."

Hatcher will be sworn in when the 120th Congress convenes in January 2027.