Chaz Molder
Won the August 6 Democratic primary with 40.9% of the vote
Chaz Molder is the mayor of Columbia, Tennessee, elected in 2018 at age 27 as the youngest mayor in the city's 200-plus-year history. He is a University of Tennessee and University of Memphis law school graduate running as the Democratic nominee for the open 5th District seat.[1][3]
Basic profile — the most important sourced facts we found.
On the record — official actions
- actionAs mayor of Columbia, passed eight consecutive balanced budgets without a property tax increase.[4]
Positions on the issues
- SupportsExpand public health coverage
Campaign platform calls for lowering healthcare costs and supporting rural hospitals to keep them open, and for expanding health insurance coverage.[5]
- SupportsRaise the minimum wage
Campaign platform calls for policies that empower workers and strengthen labor protections, including the right to organize.[5]
In their words — priorities
- Says he will advocate for a ban on stock trading by members of Congress, calling it a matter of ethics and accountability.[5]
- Says he is dedicated to lowering costs for Tennessee families, farmers, and seniors, including healthcare, housing, and grocery costs, and to strengthening labor protections.[5]
- Says he is committed to lowering healthcare costs and supporting rural hospitals so they can stay open.[5]
Background
- Graduate of Columbia's public schools, the University of Tennessee, and the University of Memphis School of Law.[4]
- Elected mayor of Columbia in 2018; as of 2026 has passed eight balanced budgets with no property tax increases and says he saved taxpayers $10.5 million through fiscal management.[4]
- Formed the Columbia Mayor's Youth Council as mayor.[4]
Campaign money
Raised $2.6M · spent $1.1M · $1.5M cash on hand (through 2026-07-17) FEC filing ↗