An Oct. 15 quarterly report from Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles shows mounting debt and weak fundraising just when his reelection bid needs a boost. Ogles reported $57,916 on hand against $70,368 in campaign debt ($20,000 of which is a personal loan, while Ogles owes the rest to firm Holtzman Vogel) through Sept. 30. Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, a Democrat, and Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatch, a Republican, are both launching bids to unseat Ogles, a Trump acolyte who has held the 5th Congressional District seat since 2023.
Democratic Columbia mayor to challenge Republican Andy Ogles
Quarterly financial reports demonstrate a candidate’s momentum and popularity, particularly in turbulent political times. Money does not directly translate to votes — despite lackluster fundraising in 2024, Ogles beat out well-funded Democratic challenger Maryam Abolfazli. But it can help raise a candidate’s profile via paid ads, mailers, text blasts and events.
Legitimate challengers in the primary and general ensure a daunting and expensive year for Ogles. Hatcher’s entry into the race may also splinter Republican support (and donations). Ogles faced down a similar challenge last year against Nashville's Metro Councilmember Courtney Johnston, a prolific fundraiser who targeted Ogles’ scandal-ridden first term in office. Three hours after Ogles’ quarterly filing, the Molder campaign reported $797,635 in fundraising — including more than $500,000 raised in the 24 hours after his Sept. 4 announcement, according to the campaign — and $33,762 spent.
Niche legal defense account shows nine months of unpaid bills, adding to congressman’s financial woes
Ogles raised roughly $39,000 this quarter from donors and another $25,500 from PACs — legal committees that pool donations to help advance certain special interests. Missouri's U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison, a fellow House Freedom Caucus member who frequently co-sponsors bills alongside Ogles, chipped in $4,000. This year, about half of Ogles’ total fundraising — $77,500 — came from PACs.
The Ogles campaign spent $57,507 between July 1 and Sept. 30. Almost $50,000 went toward GOP political consultants, some of which may be pass-throughs for direct ad buys. Other various expenses include Ogles’ 21 Uber rides, nearly $700 in Chipotle receipts and a $2,227 bill at D.C.’s ritzy Capitol Hill Club. A niche legal defense fund set up by Ogles has also racked up significant debt this year, including another $5,376.25 to law firm Holtzman Vogel.
