Pro Schools Mayor Raises Big Money for Congressional Bid

Molder’s haul outpaces incumbent Ogles

Chaz Molder, the Mayor of Columbia with a passion for defending public schools, has raised significant cash for his bid to unseat 5th District Congressman Andy Ogles.

Molder has raised $785,000 to date and now has more campaign funds available than Ogles.

Molder has a strong record of supporting public education – and challenging interests seeking to privatize schools.

Evidence from elections around the country suggests that Democrats with a strong record of defending public schools perform well.

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Molder Mulls Run for Congress

Columbia Mayor has record of defending public schools

A proven defender of public schools is considering a run for Congress in Tennessee’s 5th District, which includes a portion of Nashville. The district is currently represented by Andy Ogles.

Chaz Molder, who serves as Mayor of Columbia, has indicated he is interested in exploring a run for Congress.

Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder confirmed this week he is “strongly considering” entering the 5th Congressional District race as a Democrat, potentially setting up a 2026 race with Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles.

If he enters the contest, Molder would join Metro Council member Mike Cortese, who has announced his candidacy and filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission, adjunct professor Joyce Neal and healthcare executive Jim Torino in a Democratic primary. Political activist Maryam Abolfazli, who lost to Ogles in 2024, has made overtures about running again.

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