Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder Announces Run for Congress

Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder has officially entered the race for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District, launching a campaign centered on unity and bipartisan problem-solving.

Molder, first elected in 2018 after unseating a two-term incumbent, made history as both the youngest mayor in Columbia’s history and the youngest mayor in Tennessee at the time. He secured re-election in 2022, defeating the Maury County Republican Party chair by a wide margin in a county where Donald Trump won by more than 45 points.

During his tenure as mayor, Molder emphasized practical, bipartisan leadership. His administration passed seven consecutive balanced budgets, preserved the city’s aquatic center, invested in education, and advanced infrastructure improvements across Columbia.

In his congressional bid, Molder is positioning himself as an alternative to incumbent Rep. Andy Ogles, citing a need to move past “divisive partisanship and scandals.” He says his campaign is backed by a broad coalition of Democrats, Republicans, and independents who are united by a desire for more effective leadership in Washington.