TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Jul 24, 2025

Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder told the Tennessee Lookout this week that he is “strongly considering” entering the 5th Congressional District race as a Democrat, potentially setting up a 2026 race against incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles. According to the Nashville Post, Molder announced yesterday that he would not seek a third term as mayor. If he runs, Molder could face three others in a party primary. Nashville Metro Council member Mike Cortese, adjunct professor Joyce Neal and health care executive Jim Torino have expressed interest in running. Molder, who practiced law in Columbia before becoming mayor in 2018, is a graduate of the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. As a new lawyer he was active in the TBA Young Lawyers Division.