Jim Clyburn Campaigns for Candidate Chaz Molder in Memphis
The South Carolina congressman joined the 5th Congressional District candidate for events at LeMoyne-Owen College.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Elections
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Representative Jim Clyburn visited Memphis to campaign for Chaz Molder, the current mayor of Columbia and a candidate for the 5th Congressional District. The pair participated in a Q&A session and a meet-and-greet to discuss the upcoming midterm election.
Why it matters
Chaz Molder is running on a platform focused on lowering costs, increasing healthcare affordability, and bringing greater accountability to Washington. He is competing against Republican candidate Charlie Hatcher for the congressional seat.
Chaz Molder faces Republican challenger Charlie Hatcher in the upcoming midterm election. Molder previously served as the mayor of Columbia, first winning the office in 2018 and securing re-election in 2022.
The players
Jim Clyburn
He is a long-serving congressman from South Carolina.
Chaz Molder
He is the current mayor of Columbia and a candidate for the 5th Congressional District.
Charlie Hatcher
He is the Republican candidate for the 5th Congressional District and a former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner.
Scott Colom
He is a candidate for the U.S. Senate who is scheduled to receive campaign support from Jim Clyburn.
The details
During the Memphis visit, the campaign held events at LeMoyne-Owen College and the Four Way Restaurant to engage with voters. The election will determine who represents the district as Molder challenges Charlie Hatcher, a farmer and former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner.
Timeline
Chaz Molder was first elected mayor of Columbia in 2018.
Chaz Molder was re-elected as mayor of Columbia in 2022.
Jim Clyburn will campaign for Scott Colom in Mississippi on October 30, 2026.
Chaz Molder faces Charlie Hatcher in the midterm election in November 2026.
Political Context
This campaign event is timed to gain momentum ahead of the midterm election. Opponents of Molder frequently question whether a local mayoral track record provides adequate preparation for federal legislative responsibilities in Washington.
Voters in the 5th Congressional District must decide between Molder and Hatcher to determine their future federal representation. The outcome of this race will impact local representation in Washington and the potential for new healthcare affordability policies.
The takeaway
Candidates often lean on high-profile party figures like Jim Clyburn to boost visibility in the final week of a campaign. Voters should review the specific legislative platforms of both Molder and Hatcher before casting their ballots in the November midterm.
What happens next
Jim Clyburn will campaign for U.S. Senate candidate Scott Colom in Mississippi on October 30, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the upcoming cycle, visit the Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News Channel 3 WREG-TV Memphis.
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