Charlie Hatcher

RFormer Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture (2019–2025)

Defeated incumbent Rep. Andy Ogles in the August 6 Republican primary, 53.3% to 46.7%

Charlie Hatcher is a veterinarian and former Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture (2019–2025) who defeated incumbent Rep. Andy Ogles in the August 2026 Republican primary. He owned a dairy and a livestock veterinary practice before entering government.[1][2]

Basic profile — the most important sourced facts we found.

On the record — official actions

  • actionServed as Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture from 2019 to 2025, appointed by Gov. Bill Lee.[2]

In their words — priorities

  • Ran on his professional and government background: "He's a livestock veterinarian, started eight successful businesses from scratch including the Hatcher Family Dairy. ... For the past seven years he's served Tennessee as the Ag Commissioner."[2]
  • Said he would prioritize making the federal government run more efficiently.[2]

Background

  • Holds a bachelor's degree in animal science from Middle Tennessee State University and a doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.[2]
  • Owned a dairy and a veterinary practice specializing in livestock; served as Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture from 2019 to 2025.[2]

Campaign money

Raised $720K · spent $615K · $105K cash on hand (through 2026-07-17) FEC filing ↗

Also on the ballot for this seat: Chaz Molder, James Johnson, Micheál O'Leary · Compare side by side

Sources cited in this profile

  1. 1.Tennessee's 5th Congressional District election, 2026 · Ballotpedia · 2026-09-25 Reference
  2. 2.Charlie Hatcher candidate profile · Ballotpedia · 2026-09-25 Reference