This piece is part of a series of articles examining where 2026 Southeastern candidates for state and federal offices stand on key energy and climate issues, like data centers and energy costs.
Note: The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy does not support or oppose candidates or political parties. Links to reports, candidate websites, and outside sources are provided as citizen education tools.
In this article, we examine the policies and positions of Charlie Hatcher, the Republican candidate running to represent Tennessee’s Congressional District 5. Also in this series, we profile Democratic candidate Chaz Molder. Election Day is November 3.
Dr. Charlie Hatcher is a livestock veterinarian and fifth-generation dairy farmer. He served as Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture from 2019 to 2025. Prior to his appointment, he was the Tennessee state veterinarian for a decade.
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
In an interview with the Tennessee Lookout, Charlie Hatcher shared his thoughts on how much support the federal government should give to the renewable energy industry: “The federal government doesn’t need to create an artificial demand for a certain renewable energy. It’s just not sustainable, and that’s where you get into (being) not good use of taxpayer money. If you have to subsidize renewable energy for a long period of time, I don’t like that.”
Climate Change
We were unable to confirm Charlie Hatcher’s position on climate change in published media, public records, or on his campaign website.
Electric Transportation
We were unable to confirm Charlie Hatcher’s position on electric transportation in published media, public records, or on his campaign website.
Energy Justice
Hatcher listed lowering the cost of energy, improving infrastructure, and protecting American food security as the three most pressing issues for the district in an interview with the Tennessee Lookout. On the topic of infrastructure improvements, he said, “Our district needs reliable energy, clean water, effective wastewater systems, and safe roads. I do not believe the answer is simply more government spending. I believe in responsible, common-sense investments that strengthen our communities and help create economic opportunity. Tennessee’s 5th District deserves its fair share, and I will work hard to bring worthwhile projects home while protecting taxpayers.”
Energy Affordability
Hatcher shared how he would lower costs in an interview with the Tennessee Lookout: “Families, farmers, and small businesses are being squeezed by rising everyday expenses. I will work with President Trump and his administration to reduce inflation and bring costs down. Energy costs affect nearly everything we buy, produce, and transport. When we lower the cost of energy, we lower the cost of groceries, farming, manufacturing, transportation, and everyday living.”
High-Risk Energy: Nuclear, Coal, Methane Gas
Charlie Hatcher is proud that Tennessee may lead the nation in nuclear energy. He acknowledged Governor Lee’s commitment to accelerating nuclear energy innovation in the state.
Data Centers
We were unable to confirm Charlie Hatcher’s position on data centers in published media, public records, or on his campaign website.
Voting Information
Election Day is November 3. Here are important dates and deadlines to consider:
- Oct. 5, 2026: Voter registration deadline
- Oct. 14, 2026: In-person early voting period begins
- Oct. 24, 2026: Absentee ballot request deadline
- Oct. 29, 2026: In-person early voting period ends
- Nov. 3, 2026: General Election Day
- Nov. 3, 2026: Absentee ballot return deadline
- Nov. 3, 2026: Absentee ballot return deadline for military and overseas citizen voters
For more information about being a Tennessee voter, including registering, finding your polling place, and requesting an absentee ballot, visit proudvoter.org.
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