A super PAC focused on clean energy has poured millions into an effort to unseat Representative Andy Ogles in Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District, where he is campaigning for re‑election.
Invest in Tomorrow Coalition has spent roughly $1.3 million on ads opposing Ogles and supporting his Republican challenger, former state agriculture commissioner Charlie Hatcher. The group recently added another $700,000 to its advertising budget, bringing its total spend this cycle to about $2 million.
Invest in Tomorrow Coalition raised $6.7 million this year, with a substantial portion directed at the Ogles campaign. The PAC is funded by billionaire Chris Larsen, the chairman of Ripple, who has contributed $6 million since February 2026.
Larsen’s other donations include more than $1 million to the Jane Fonda Climate PAC, over $1 million combined to the Democratic Senatorial and Congressional Campaign Committees, and a $300,000 contribution to Representative Nancy Pelosi. His philanthropy also supports climate technology ventures through the Clean Break Fund.
Ogles argues that the spending demonstrates the consequences for Republicans who push back against government investments in renewable energy. He believes the money is a warning that such positions can cost politicians politically.
The representative, a member of the fiscally minded House Freedom Caucus, has been a vocal critic of clean energy subsidies enacted under recent administration policies. He has opposed provisions in the Infrastructure and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act that provide financial support for green technologies.
Ogles has also cited his close ties to former President Trump and his outspoken stance as reasons for the targeted campaign. Trump has publicly endorsed Ogles and praised him as a strong supporter of conservative principles.
Tom Matzzie, the executive chairman of the PAC, stated that the campaign aims to show that politicians who reject clean energy face electoral risks. Matzzie also runs a solar energy company and emphasizes the importance of building a self‑reliant energy sector.
In response, Ogles said he does not see his energy views as contradictory to voters’ preferences and described the opposition’s spending as an attempt to control a seat through energy advocacy. He maintains that government should not dictate winners and losers in the energy market, especially amid national debt concerns.
Ogles added that he has considered installing solar panels on his farm and shop but would not rely on government subsidies to do so. He highlighted the country’s $40 trillion debt and urged a focus on conservative policies.
The Tennessee primary election will take place on Thursday, August 6.
