NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A number of national issues, such as immigration and transgender legislation, will play a role in the race for Tennessee's fifth Congressional district.

Incumbent Rep. Andy Ogles and Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder both say the immigration system is broken, but their approaches to fixing it are different. When it comes to transgender legislation, their focus isn’t the same either.

Molder, who announced his campaign for Congress this week, said he wants to see more practical solutions on immigration. But so far, he has not offered specifics on what those solutions would be.

“Well, I think primarily we have to admit that the immigration system is broken. We have a problem, and it’s time to put adults in the room who are willing to not just talk about the problem, but who are willing to find solutions,” Molder said.

Ogles has called for a tougher stance.

“Attacks on ICE officers are up over 800% this year… my message to the ICE doxxers is simple: stand in their way, and you’ll stand before a judge," Ogles said in a recent post on X.

When asked about transgender issues, Molder said it isn’t a priority in his campaign, pointing to state leaders who have already acted.

“That issue has been decided in the state of Tennessee by the governor and by our state legislature, and that’s not an issue in this campaign,” he said.

Ogles, however, has supported legislation in Washington since 2023 that would ban federal funds for pronoun and preferred name policies, prohibit gender-affirming care for minors, and define sex strictly based on biological birth.

Immigration and transgender legislation are just two of the issues that will be on voters’ minds next fall as they decide who will represent Tennessee’s fifth U.S. Congressional District.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/rep-ogles-molder-questioned-on-national-issues-ahead-of-tn-5th-congressional-district-race/