Democrat Chaz Molder told Ben Hall on NewsChannel Five “Inside Politics” that he’s within six points of republican incumbent Andy Ogles in their 5th District race. That’s supposedly according to an internal poll from Molder’s campaign. The Columbia mayor discussed staying in the race on Inside Politics. Molder’s home was drawn out of the district last month when the legislature re-drew the congressional maps. The new district (in yellow in the map below) goes Williamson County to Memphis. Hall says he’s asked Ogles to come on Inside Politics as well.
As drawn, the 5th district is composed of about a 12 point advantage for a Republican. However, Molder’s huge fundraising advantage over Ogles gives him a shot at a huge political upset. Ogles first must survive his GOP primary against former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher.
BLACKBURN’S RUMORED EDUCATION COMMISSIONER CHOICE RAISES EYEBROWS. While Marsha (…Marsha Marsha) has to first secure the GOP nomination for Governor on August 6, speculation about some of her key Cabinet leadership positions has already begun. Many political observers expect her team to simply be Bill Lee 2.0, especially since the normal departure of cabinet officials at the end of an eight year Governor‘s term is not really taking place.
Current Education Commissioner Lizzette Gonzales Reynolds has been invisible for months, since passage of the expanded voucher program, and she is not expected to serve in the next Administration regardless of who wins. (Rose has already said he will appoint a Tennessean with actual classroom experience if he prevails.)
There is growing buzz that Dr. Jon Rysewyk is the frontrunner for the position of Commissioner of Education under Blackburn if she succeeds Lee. Known for his leadership in Knox County Schools and his background with SCORE and charter schools, he aligns closely with the educational reform policies championed by former Commissioner Kevin Huffman. Supporters believe that his experience and commitment to education reform make him an ideal candidate to continue reform of Tennessee’s educational landscape. If you appreciated Huffman’s approach, Rysewyk is likely to resonate similarly with advocates for continued reform. If you didn’t like Huffman, well it might be a long eight years for you.
PROBABLY WON’T BE MAKING CABINET PICKS NEXT YEAR. While some on Team Marsha are already measuring drapes at the Governor‘s office, there is one guy who need not bother.
Misam M. Abidi (47, of Nolensville, TN) was indicted on June 12, 2026, on 11 federal charges for allegedly running an $11 million nationwide crypto Ponzi scheme through his firm, Star Credit Holdings. Prosecutors state he diverted at least $1.9 million of investor funds to himself and his family.
Abidi announced his independent campaign for Governor in May. While he is facing serious legal troubles, there is no indication that he has a Nazi tattoo on his chest or anywhere else. Which may be why he is not running as a Democrat.
Steve Gill is editor and publisher of TriStar Daily. He has no piercings or tattoos of any kind or anywhere.
