Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder Eyes Congressional Run in 2026

Issue #504

July 23, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Weather - Mix of sunshine and clouds. High of 96, low of 73.

📰 Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder Eyes Congressional Run in 2026

📰 $112K in Scholarships Available for Future Teachers in Maury County Schools

🚒 MCFD Responds to Structure Fire on Tuesday

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

👉 Your Guide to Summer Camps & Kids Activities in July! 

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder Eyes Congressional Run in 2026

Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder has confirmed he is “strongly considering” running for Congress in Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District—a move that would bring one of Columbia’s most recognizable local leaders into a high-profile race. While no official campaign has been launched yet, Molder’s comments have sparked conversation both locally and across Middle Tennessee.

If he decides to run, Molder would join a growing field of Democratic candidates vying to challenge Republican incumbent Andy Ogles in 2026. So far, Metro Nashville Councilmember Mike Cortese, adjunct professor Joyce Neal, and healthcare executive Jim Torino have announced their candidacies. Political activist Maryam Abolfazli, who ran in 2024, may also enter the race again.

In a public statement, Molder cited concerns over Rep. Ogles’ recent actions—including a call for a federal investigation into Belmont University over how it renamed a diversity program, and a push for a Homeland Security investigation into Nashville’s mayor after he criticized a federal immigration sweep. Molder said he's not being urged to run by outside interests, but by local constituents who feel underrepresented.

Mayor Molder, a Columbia native, was first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. A lawyer by trade, he holds degrees from the University of Tennessee and the University of Memphis School of Law. His wife, Elizabeth, is a public school teacher, and during his time in office, Molder has championed local youth initiatives, including the creation of the Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council.

This congressional seat was once considered a stronghold for Democrats, but district lines were redrawn by the state legislature in 2022, making the 5th District more favorable to Republicans. That redistricting prompted longtime Democratic Representative Jim Cooper to step down, eventually opening the door for Ogles to win the seat.

As conversations about the 2026 election begin to take shape, Molder’s potential candidacy adds a local dimension to a race that will no doubt attract attention across the region.

$112K in Scholarships Available for Future Teachers in Maury County Schools

The road to teacher certification in Maury County just got a lot easier, thanks to a partnership between Maury County Public Schools (MCPS) and the Youth Educational Foundation (YEF). The Tennessee educator preparation program through iteach, allows individuals to become a teacher without a traditional education degree. MCPS and YEF are offering up to 40 iteach scholarships, worth a total combined value of up to $112,000 to qualified Maury County Public Schools employees that desire to become a teacher.

iteach is a nationally recognized job embedded program that allows an individual with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, a minimum 2.5 GPA, and meets certain criteria set by the state of Tennessee to become a teacher. Individuals can take the program before becoming a teacher or can complete it after obtaining a teaching role with Maury County Public Schools while going through the online program (working on a permitted status through the state of Tennessee).

“This inclusive and affordable pathway towards a teaching certification makes it accessible to any Maury County Public Schools employee who aspires to positively impact the world through education,” said Maury County Public Schools Superintendent, Lisa Ventura. “Teachers are leaders, mentors, and role models. They don’t just prepare students for tests – they prepare them for life.  We are so appreciative of YEF’s willingness to invest in Maury County Public Schools.”

“YEF is proud to partner with MCPS to bring up to 40 newly certified teachers into Maury County Public Schools classrooms,” said YEF Chair, Renee Adams. “We are grateful to our donors for enabling the organization to make this historic investment in the community’s future. We understand the importance of having motivated, qualified, and caring teachers in the classroom. Scholarship recipients will have received recommendations from their principals and committed to at least three years of service with MCPS.  We look forward to the positive impact this will have on Maury County Public Schools students and to strengthening our partnership with MCPS.”

To apply, please visit iteach’s website.

MCFD Responds to Structure Fire on Tuesday

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From Maury County Fire Department’s post…

Tuesday at 1:47PM units responded to a reported house fire on Woolard Rd with the passerby stating flames were through the roof. Responding units: Engines 21, 28, 29, 30, 32, Tankers 21, 22, 23, and 28, Squad 21, District 30, Deputy 20, Chief 20. 

Upon arrival units found a home approximately 80% involved and pulled two hand lines to contain the fire. Two dogs were quickly found inside the home; unfortunately, they did not make it. Units operated for almost 3 hours on scene in extreme heat. 

Special thanks to Maury OEM for providing rehab to our FF’s as well as Maury Regional EMS for their assistance in rehab and assistance during initial operations. 

Agencies on scene/involed: 

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Wednesday, July 23rd

Thursday, July 24th

Friday, July 25th ***Tennessee Sales Tax Holiday Weekend***

Saturday, July 26th

Sunday, July 27th

MORE EVENTS COMING SOON!

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

Aug 1-9: Williamson County Fair
Aug 28 - Sept 1: Maury County Fair & Expo 

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Wednesday, July 23rd

Austin Byrd, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Thursday, July 24th
Troy Castellano, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Neal Pennington, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Friday, July 25th

Live Music, The Spot, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Rob Harris, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Jason Alexander, Buck & Board, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Open Mic Night, Grinders Switch Winery, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Brittany Elise, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Damien Boggs, Grazie! Italian Eatery, 7:30 - 9:30 PM
Golden Soul Revue, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Songwriter Series, The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM
5x5, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Saturday, July 26th

The Grasskickers, Keg Springs Winery, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
The Michael Fair Band, The Mulehouse, 3:00 - 6:00 PM
Carson Phillips, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 - 7:00 PM
Tom Wheatley, Buck & Board, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
The Jim Brown Band, Mt. Pleasant Music on The Porch, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Mettle & Mercury Red, Elm Springs, 7:00 PM
Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 PM
Song Writers Open Round, The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Nick Duhe, Grazie! Italian Eatery, 7:30 -9:30 PM
Lynnmarie & E3, Puckett’s, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
MFT, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM
Scotty Morton Band, The Boondox, 8:00 PM

Sunday, July 27th

Cliftones, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Phoenix Rising, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4:00 PM
Jacob Frish, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

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