In a strategic move signaling their intent to reclaim the U.S. House majority, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has identified Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District as a key battleground for the 2026 elections. The district, currently represented by Republican Andy Ogles, has become a focal point due to its shifting demographics and Ogles’ contentious tenure.
A Historically Democratic Stronghold Transformed
For decades, Tennessee’s 5th District was a Democratic bastion, encompassing the entirety of Davidson County, including Nashville. However, the 2022 redistricting, orchestrated by the Republican-controlled state legislature, dramatically altered the district’s composition. Nashville was partitioned into three separate districts, effectively diluting the city’s Democratic vote by merging it with predominantly Republican rural and suburban areas. This redistricting led to the retirement of long-serving Democratic Representative Jim Cooper, who cited the new map as a significant obstacle to re-election.
The reconfigured 5th District now includes portions of Davidson, Wilson, and Williamson counties, as well as the entirety of Maury, Lewis, and Marshall counties. The district’s demographic profile has shifted accordingly, with a population that is approximately 69% White, 12% Black, 10% Hispanic, and 4% Asian. The median household income stands at $92,367, making it the wealthiest congressional district in Tennessee.
Andy Ogles’ Controversial Tenure
Andy Ogles, a former Maury County mayor and conservative activist, capitalized on the redistricting to win the 2022 election, defeating Democratic state Senator Heidi Campbell with 56% of the vote. He secured re-election in 2024, garnering 56.9% against Democratic challenger Maryam Abolfazli.
Ogles’ tenure has been marked by controversy. He has faced criticism for allegedly embellishing his résumé and for his alignment with the far-right Freedom Caucus. These issues have drawn national attention and have been cited by the DCCC as factors contributing to his vulnerability in the upcoming election.
DCCC’s Strategic Focus
The DCCC’s decision to target the 5th District is part of a broader strategy to flip Republican-held seats in the 2026 midterms. The committee has included Ogles on its list of 35 Republican incumbents it aims to unseat, citing growing dissatisfaction among Tennesseans with the GOP’s performance on economic issues and governance.
“Scandal after scandal, lie after lie, Andy Ogles continues to prove that he has no interest in actually working for the people of Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District,” said DCCC spokesperson Madison Andrus. “He’s chasing self-enrichment, and his constituents are tired of it.”
Potential Democratic Challengers
While no Democratic candidate has officially declared for the 2026 race, several names have emerged as potential contenders. Maryam Abolfazli, who challenged Ogles in 2024, is reportedly considering another run. Other potential candidates include Nashville Metro Councilmember Mike Cortese and State Representative Bob Freeman.
The DCCC is emphasizing the need for a candidate who can appeal to both urban and rural voters, reflecting the district’s diverse electorate. The committee is actively vetting individuals with strong community ties and a track record of public service.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the DCCC’s focus, flipping the 5th District remains a formidable challenge. The Cook Political Report currently rates the district as “Solid Republican,” and Ogles maintains a significant fundraising advantage, with $382,295 in cash on hand as of March 2025.
However, Democrats are hopeful that national trends and local dissatisfaction with Ogles’ performance could create an opening. The 2026 midterms will serve as a critical test of the DCCC’s strategy and the electorate’s appetite for change in Tennessee’s 5th District.
As the race unfolds, both parties are expected to invest heavily in the district, making it one of the most closely watched contests in the 2026 election cycle.
