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Former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher speaks at the 2024 Ag Day on the Hill celebration outside of the state capitol.

 Hamilton Matthew Masters

Former state Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher is prepping a campaign to primary Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles in 2026.

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Charlie Hatcher

The Post and Williamson Scene have confirmed Hatcher’s candidacy with sources who have knowledge of the matter after reporting from other Tennessee media.

Hatcher retired as commissioner at the beginning of October after seven years in the role, in what he said was “the honor of my life.”

A 10th-generation farmer and livestock veterinarian from Williamson County, Hatcher also previously served as the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s State Veterinarian. He is also well known for his College Grove-based Rock-N-Country Veterinary Services and Hatcher Family Dairy.

Hatcher has not yet officially started his campaign, but would bring a renewed and likely tougher challenge to the incumbent Ogles, who in 2024 defeated Republican challenger and sitting Nashville Metro Councilwoman Courtney Johnston.

Hatcher's campaign website (read here) has few details regarding his political positions and priorities, but calls Washington D.C. "one insurmountable problem" while pitching himself as "Pro-gun. Pro-life. Pro-Trump." It also takes a subtle swipe at Ogles.

“Trump would have been a fantastic farmer because he has that work ethic. But it might not be enough money for him! He gets things done. Think what President Trump could do if our congressman spent less time talking and more time doing," the website reads.

Ogles was later re-elected in the 2024 general election despite a slew of controversies, including an ongoing Federal Bureau of Investigation case that saw his phone seized, news reports on his false statements about his professional and educational background and qualifications, unaccounted-for money meant for a children’s burial garden, civil penalty payments for multiple campaign finance violations and amended campaign finance reports.

Ogles is also facing several Democratic challengers, most notably Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder.