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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