Former state Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher kicked off his campaign for the 5th Congressional District on Tuesday, setting up a primary challenge with incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles in 2026.

Several hundred supporters packed a Battle Mountain Farm barn in College Grove, including numerous members of the Hatcher family who own the farm.

Hatcher, a first-time candidate, said that he’s been approached about running for numerous offices over the years, mainly for Congress, and called politics “the nastiest thing I've ever done.”

He’s leaning into both his experience serving in Gov. Bill Lee’s administration with agriculture policy and his actual farming experience to set himself apart in what he acknowledges will be a tough race against the scandal-plagued and Trump-en

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