2026 Tennessee Primaries Near Nashville: Candidates & Races
A breakdown of the 2026 U.S. House primary races near Nashville, including TN Districts 5, 6, and 7 and the declared Republican and Democratic candidates.
2026 Congressional Primaries Near Nashville: What Voters Need to Know
Middle Tennessee will be one of the most closely watched regions in the state during the August 6, 2026 primaries. With competitive primaries in and around Nashville, several high-profile races could shape the political direction of the region for years to come.
This guide focuses specifically on congressional primary races near Nashville, including Tennessee’s 5th, 6th, and 7th Congressional Districts.
🏛️ Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District (Nashville & Surrounding Counties)
The 5th District includes much of Nashville-Davidson County and surrounding areas. It remains one of the most politically competitive districts in the state.
Republican Primary
Andy Ogles (R)
The incumbent congressman is seeking renomination, campaigning on border security, federal spending restraint, and conservative social policy. Ogles has built a strong base among grassroots Republican voters and continues to emphasize alignment with national conservative priorities.
Charlie Hatcher (R)
Former Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture, Hatcher is challenging Ogles in the Republican primary. He is positioning himself as a pragmatic conservative with deep ties to rural communities and agricultural policy expertise.
Democratic Primary
Mike Cortese (D)
A Nashville Metro Councilmember, Cortese is running on housing affordability and urban infrastructure reform. He is appealing to voters focused on city governance experience and economic development.
Chaz Molder (D)
The Mayor of Columbia, Molder brings executive leadership experience from a fast-growing Middle Tennessee city. His campaign emphasizes economic growth, public safety, and bipartisan problem-solving.
Joyce Neal (D)
An adjunct professor and community advocate, Neal is campaigning on education access and civic engagement. She is working to mobilize progressive and grassroots Democratic voters across Davidson County.
James Torino (D)
A healthcare executive, Torino’s platform centers on healthcare affordability and system reform. He is positioning himself as a business-minded Democrat with operational leadership experience.
🏛️ Tennessee’s 6th Congressional District (East & Southeast of Nashville)
The 6th District includes parts of eastern Davidson County and stretches into Murfreesboro, Cookeville, and rural Middle Tennessee. The district has historically leaned Republican.
Republican Primary
The 6th District is expected to draw multiple Republican contenders if the seat remains open or competitive. GOP candidates are likely to emphasize conservative fiscal policy, Second Amendment rights, and opposition to federal overreach.
(As of now, formal declarations are still developing, and additional candidates may enter before filing deadlines.)
Democratic Primary
Democratic candidates in the 6th District face an uphill battle in a traditionally Republican area. Potential contenders are focusing on economic fairness, healthcare access, and infrastructure investment in growing suburban communities.
🏛️ Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District (Western Middle Tennessee)
The 7th District includes parts of western Davidson County and suburban areas such as Franklin and Clarksville.
Matt Van Epps (R)
The incumbent is expected to seek a full term after previously winning election to the seat. His campaign highlights conservative economic policy and support for military communities in the region.
Democratic challengers are expected to emerge, though the district remains Republican-leaning overall.
Key Themes in the Nashville-Area Primaries
Across these districts, several major issues are emerging:
- Housing affordability and urban growth in Davidson County
- Suburban expansion and infrastructure strain in surrounding counties
- Healthcare access and cost pressures
- Federal spending and national security
- Rural vs. urban representation priorities
The 5th District will likely be the most competitive and closely watched race in Middle Tennessee. Meanwhile, the 6th and 7th Districts could see contested primaries that reshape the regional Republican landscape.
What Happens Next?
- Primary Election: August 6, 2026
- General Election: November 3, 2026
Candidate lists may continue to evolve as filing deadlines approach. Voters in Davidson County and surrounding areas should monitor official filings and campaign developments closely.