Charlie Hatcher

Charlie Hatcher is a fifth-generation Tennessee farmer, and his Ballotpedia biography says he operated the family's seventh-generation dairy farm in College Grove, Tennessee, established in 1847.[2][4] The Williamson Herald describes him as a Williamson County resident and a livestock veterinarian.[6] He holds a bachelor's degree in animal science from Middle Tennessee State University and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.[2][7] He has more than 20 years in veterinary practice, specializing in livestock; his campaign website says he started eight businesses, including Hatcher Family Dairy, and describes him as an author.[2][4][7]

Hatcher served as Tennessee State Veterinarian for about a decade before Gov. Bill Lee appointed him Commissioner of Agriculture; he took office January 1, 2019, and left September 30, 2025.[2][3] He has held national leadership roles, including past president of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, the National Assembly of State Animal Health Officials, the United States Animal Health Association and the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture, and he chaired the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture's Animal Agriculture Committee.[2] He has served on the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees and the Tennessee Board of Regents.[2][6]

Hatcher launched his 5th District campaign on November 4, 2025, at Battle Mountain Farm in College Grove.[8] He won the Republican primary over incumbent Andy Ogles on August 6, 2026, 53.3 percent to 46.7 percent.[2] He won the November 3, 2026 general election with 51.7% of the vote to Chaz Molder's 46.7%, according to unofficial results reported by NBC News.[1]