CIVPAC has endorsed Charlie Hatcher in the Republican primary and Chaz Molder in the Democratic primary for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District.
Endorsing candidates in both parties may seem unusual, but it reflects the purpose of an independent centrist organization. We do not begin by choosing a party and then searching for reasons to support its nominee. We evaluate the candidates actually running and ask which candidate in each primary offers voters the strongest combination of competence, responsible government and appeal beyond the party’s most committed base.
In the Republican primary, that candidate is Charlie Hatcher.
Hatcher is a farmer, veterinarian, business owner and former Tennessee commissioner of agriculture. He offers Republican voters a more serious and accomplished alternative to incumbent Representative Andy Ogles, whose congressional career has been characterized too often by ideological performance, inflammatory rhetoric and the pursuit of national attention.
Hatcher would also be the more appealing Republican candidate in the general election. His executive experience, agricultural background and emphasis on competent government give him a better chance of reaching voters who may share conservative instincts but are weary of political theater.
Read CIVPAC’s full endorsement of Charlie Hatcher.
In the Democratic primary, CIVPAC endorses Chaz Molder.
Molder has twice been elected mayor of Columbia in heavily Republican Maury County. His record includes balanced budgets, investments in public safety and infrastructure, and no increase in the city’s property-tax rate. Whatever disagreements CIVPAC may have with individual elements of his platform, he has demonstrated an ability to govern and to earn support beyond the Democratic base.
That experience distinguishes him from the rest of the Democratic field. Democrats hoping to compete in Tennessee’s 5th District need more than a candidate who can mobilize reliable Democratic voters. They need someone capable of persuading independents and at least some Republicans. Molder has already shown that he can do that.
Read CIVPAC’s full endorsement of Chaz Molder.
These endorsements are limited to the party primaries. CIVPAC will evaluate the general-election nominees after the primaries are complete.
For now, our message to voters in both parties is straightforward.
Republicans who want a more responsible representative and a stronger general-election nominee should choose Charlie Hatcher.
Democrats who want an experienced candidate with the best chance of building a broader coalition should choose Chaz Molder.
A healthier political system requires both parties to nominate candidates capable of governing—and capable of speaking to people who do not already agree with them.