U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles’ campaign finance picture has suddenly become very relatable. As many American households struggle to juggle rising gas prices and record-high credit card payments, an April 15 financial report shows the third-term Republican barely keeping his own campaign accounts solvent, leaving legal bills unpaid and spending big on travel and dining. Ogles netted just under $30,000 this quarter, reporting a $85,000 balance against $70,000 in debt — the congressional equivalent of living paycheck to paycheck.Â
The incumbent 5th Congressional District rep's money woes look even worse next to another blockbuster quarter from Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, who leads Democrats in the race to replace Ogles. Molder brought in $615,000 in the first few months of 2026, leaving his campaign with nearly $1.3 million to spend ahead of the Aug. 6 primary and Nov. 3 general elections. Molder’s campaign finance machine has benefited equally from small-dollar online ActBlue fundraising and big checks cut by Nashville supporters since announcing his campaign in September — he may soon cross the $2 million mark. National Democratic operatives have stepped in to advise and promote Molder as polls show Republican support slipping, particularly after war mobilization against Iran by the White House. Even so, projections still consider the district Ogles’ to lose.
Maryland Republican James Appel faces federal charges for taking $100,000 from a state lawmaker's campaign account to finance a yacht
Law firms were Ogles’ main expenses in January, February and March, costing the congressman around $35,000. According to Federal Election Commission documents, he owes another $50,000 to D.C.-area firm Holtzman Vogel. An FBI case and campaign finance investigations have burdened Ogles’ multiple accounts, including a niche legal defense fund separate from his campaign that reported $170,000 in debt in December. The same report listed bills owed to James Appel — a Maryland GOP operative recently indicted on embezzlement charges — for campaign consulting.
Hotel stays, Uber rides and fine dining have also cut into Ogles’ bank account. The fiscal conservative apparently prefers Marriott rooms and white tablecloths, spending freely at private D.C. hotspot the Capitol Hill Club as well as Belle Meade steakhouse Sperry’s, where Ogles paid $1,300 for one December dinner.
Tennessee's U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty claimed a strong financial quarter in his reelection efforts. Hagerty brought in $713,000, keeping him in a top 10 fundraising spot among all members of U.S. Congress with more than $5 million cash on hand. Over the same period, Hagerty spent nearly $500,000 — mostly on payroll, ads and monthly checks to GOP strategist Ward Baker’s consulting outfit. On the dining front, the Hagerty campaign seems to prefer Panera and pizza.
Fresh off reelection in 2024, Marsha Blackburn’s pivot to a gubernatorial campaign reflects continued confidence in her image as Tennessee’s leading political presence. She’s still spending down her Senate money while building her statewide campaign. Blackburn fundraised $1.2 million in the first three months of 2026 and reported $4.4 million on hand as of March 31. By the numbers, she’s well outpacing her main primary opponent, Republican U.S. Rep. John Rose, who brought in just $150,000 this quarter and has kept his campaign afloat with a $5 million personal loan.
