ICYMI: The Cook Political Report Shifts Tennessee’s Fifth Congressional District In Favor Of Mayor Chaz Molder

COLUMBIA, TN: Today, Cook Political Report shifted their predictions for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District towards Democrats citing incumbent Andy Ogles’ vulnerabilities being under federal investigation and negative headlines over exaggerated biographical claims. Cook points to Mayor Chaz Molder’s strong fundraising numbers as an indicator that Ogles has potential of facing a competitive challenge this November. 

“I’m in this race because Middle Tennessee deserves a representative focused on lowering costs, protecting access to quality healthcare, and helping our communities thrive,” said Mayor Chaz Molder. “The Cook Political Report’s shift is a sign that the momentum is behind us and that Middle Tennessee is ready for new leadership focused on what matters.” 

Read the full report from The Cook Political Report here, highlights below:

• Three more Republicans are shifting from Solid to Likely Republican: Reps. Jeff Crank (CO-05), Cory Mills (FL-07) and Andy Ogles (TN-05). Though these three members all represent fairly conservative districts, they have the potential to face competitive races in November.
• Ogles, a staunch conservative who represents a district in the suburbs of Nashville, is under investigation from the FBI over allegations of campaign finance fraud and has faced a number of other negative headlines over exaggerated biographical claims. So far, he hasn’t faced any electoral consequences, winning reelection by a comfortable 17-point margin in 2024 as Trump carried his district by nearly 18 points.
• But that has the potential to change this cycle. Chaz Molder, the Democratic mayor of Columbia, has raised $1.2 million since launching his campaign in September — more than some candidates in considerably more competitive races and far more than Ogles has raised this year. If Molder can  convince a significant number of more moderate Republicans to support him, this could develop into a competitive race.

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