Former Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Charlie Hatcher is offering Republican voters in Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District a different style of conservative leadership as he challenges incumbent U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles in the August 6 Republican primary.
A fifth-generation Tennessee dairy farmer, livestock veterinarian, businessman and former state agriculture commissioner, Hatcher has built his campaign around the message that government should be focused on producing results rather than generating headlines. Throughout the campaign, he has summed up that philosophy by saying: “I consider myself a work horse and my opponent is a show horse,” emphasizing what he believes is a more results-oriented approach to serving constituents.
Hatcher served as Tennessee’s Commissioner of Agriculture from 2019 until 2025 under Gov. Bill Lee, overseeing one of the state’s largest industries while working on agricultural policy, rural economic development, conservation efforts and animal health initiatives. Before joining state government, he founded several businesses, including Hatcher Family Dairy, and has practiced as a livestock veterinarian.
According to his campaign, Hatcher’s family has farmed the same Tennessee land for more than 200 years. He describes himself as a Christian family man, author and entrepreneur who has started eight successful businesses.
His congressional campaign has received a boost from several prominent Tennessee Republicans, including former Gov. Bill Haslam, helping elevate what many political observers expected to be a routine primary challenge. Following Haslam’s endorsement, Hatcher said: “He was such a dynamic leader for Tennessee, and earning his trust means more than I can express. I am truly humbled by his endorsement.”
Hatcher’s path to the race was also complicated by Tennessee’s congressional redistricting, which shifted district boundaries after he announced his candidacy. Reflecting on the changes, Hatcher said: “It was a shock, but after I pondered it, I’ve never quit anything in my life,” explaining why he chose to remain in the race.
Throughout the campaign, Hatcher has argued that Republican voters deserve a representative focused on conservative governance and constituent service rather than political controversy. While emphasizing his support for President Donald Trump’s policy agenda, Hatcher has maintained that his executive experience managing a state department better prepares him to deliver results in Congress. Speaking about Trump’s early endorsement of Ogles, Hatcher said: “That endorsement came out very early. It was within a day or two that I announced, and President Trump, you know, politics is politics. He had to line up his votes in Congress.”
His platform focuses on supporting Tennessee farmers and rural communities, reducing federal regulations affecting agriculture, promoting water conservation, strengthening border security and maintaining fiscal discipline. He has also pledged to place greater emphasis on local issues and constituent services.
The contest has largely become one of contrasting leadership styles rather than ideology.
Hatcher presents himself as a pragmatic conservative with experience managing government operations and implementing policy. Ogles, meanwhile, has built a national profile through his outspoken conservative positions, frequent media appearances and close alignment with the House Freedom Caucus. Ogles also carries the endorsement of President Donald Trump, a factor that many analysts believe continues to make him the favorite in the race.
Despite that advantage, Hatcher’s campaign has gained attention in recent months as Tennessee’s congressional districts have changed and the 5th District now includes many rural and agriculture-oriented communities where his farming background may resonate with Republican voters.
Political observers generally view Hatcher as a mainstream Tennessee conservative rather than a moderate Republican. His campaign has emphasized competence, executive experience and policy implementation over political theater while maintaining traditional Republican positions on fiscal policy, border security and support for agriculture.
The Republican primary will be held Thursday, Aug. 6. The winner will advance to the November general election to represent Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
More information about Hatcher’s campaign is available at <charliehatcher.com>.
