Chuck Fleischmann

Chuck Fleischmann
Born	Charles Joseph Fleischmann 11 10, 1962
Birthplace	New York City, New York, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Attorney, politician
Title	Chairman, Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee
Known for	U.S. Representative for Tennessee's 3rd congressional district
Education	University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign (BA) University of Tennessee (JD)
Children	3
Website	[[fleischmann.house.gov fleischmann.house.gov] Official site]

Charles Joseph Fleischmann (born October 11, 1962) is an American attorney and politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Tennessee's 3rd congressional district since January 3, 2011. A member of the Republican Party, Fleischmann represents a district centered on Chattanooga that encompasses a large swath of East Tennessee, including Oak Ridge. Born in New York City and educated at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign and the University of Tennessee, Fleischmann practiced law in Chattanooga before entering politics. He first won election to Congress in 2010 following the retirement of longtime incumbent Zach Wamp and has been reelected in every subsequent cycle. In Congress, Fleischmann has risen through the ranks of the House Appropriations Committee, where he serves as Chairman of the Energy and Water Development Subcommittee, a position that gives him significant influence over federal energy policy and funding for nuclear facilities, including those at Oak Ridge within his district.

Early Life

Charles Joseph Fleischmann was born on October 11, 1962, in New York City, New York. He later relocated to the southeastern United States, where he would build his legal career and political life in Tennessee. Details regarding his parents and upbringing prior to his college years are limited in publicly available sources, though his trajectory from New York City to the Midwest for his undergraduate education and then to Tennessee for law school reflects a pattern of geographic mobility that culminated in his deep roots in the Chattanooga area.

Fleischmann settled in the Chattanooga metropolitan area, specifically in Ooltewah, a community in Hamilton County, where he established both his legal practice and his family life. He and his wife raised three children in the area. Before entering electoral politics, Fleischmann built a career as an attorney, founding his own law practice in Chattanooga. His legal background and involvement in local Republican politics positioned him to pursue a congressional seat when the opportunity arose in 2010.

Education

Fleischmann attended the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He subsequently enrolled at the University of Tennessee College of Law in Knoxville, where he earned his Juris Doctor (JD) degree. His legal education at the University of Tennessee connected him to the state's professional and political networks, and he remained in Tennessee following his graduation, establishing himself in the Chattanooga area to practice law.

Career

Legal Career

After completing his law degree at the University of Tennessee, Fleischmann embarked on a career in private legal practice. He founded his own law firm in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he practiced for a number of years before entering politics. His experience as a practicing attorney in the Chattanooga area gave him familiarity with the legal and business landscape of East Tennessee, which he would later draw upon in his congressional campaigns and legislative work.

2010 Congressional Campaign

Fleischmann's entry into electoral politics came in 2010, when incumbent Republican Congressman Zach Wamp announced he would not seek reelection to Tennessee's 3rd congressional district in order to run for governor. The open seat attracted a crowded Republican primary field in this reliably conservative district. Fleischmann entered the race and campaigned on a platform of fiscal conservatism and limited government, themes that resonated with the Tea Party movement that was a significant political force during the 2010 election cycle.

The Republican primary was the decisive contest in the heavily Republican district. Fleischmann emerged victorious from the competitive primary field, securing the Republican nomination. The primary results, however, left some divisions within the local Republican Party, with Tea Party activism creating tensions among various factions of the party.

In the November 2010 general election, Fleischmann won the seat decisively, capitalizing on the strong Republican lean of the district and the broader national wave that saw Republicans gain control of the U.S. House of Representatives. He succeeded Zach Wamp, who had held the seat since 1995.

Early Congressional Tenure

Fleischmann took office on January 3, 2011, as the representative for Tennessee's 3rd congressional district. During his first term, he aligned himself with the fiscally conservative wing of the House Republican caucus. Among his early legislative initiatives was a bill to terminate the federal government's Weatherization Assistance Program, reflecting his stance in favor of reducing government spending and the size of the federal bureaucracy.

Fleischmann quickly established connections with the Republican leadership. In October 2011, House Speaker John Boehner attended a fundraising event for Fleischmann, signaling the leadership's support for the freshman congressman.

2012 Primary Challenge and Subsequent Elections

In 2012, Fleischmann faced a primary challenge from within his own party but successfully fended off the effort to unseat him, securing the Republican nomination for a second term. Fleischmann went on to win the general election and has been reelected in every subsequent cycle. In the 2014 cycle, he again faced a primary challenger but prevailed, winning the Republican nomination.

The district's strong Republican orientation has meant that the primary election has consistently been the most competitive contest for Fleischmann. In the 2026 cycle, Democrat Anna Golladay announced her intention to challenge Fleischmann for the congressional seat, though the district's partisan composition continues to favor the Republican incumbent.

Appropriations Committee and Energy Policy

A central element of Fleischmann's congressional career has been his work on the House Appropriations Committee, where he has risen to the chairmanship of the Energy and Water Development Subcommittee. This position gives him direct oversight of federal spending on energy programs, water infrastructure, and the Department of Energy's national laboratories and nuclear weapons complex.

The chairmanship is particularly significant given that Tennessee's 3rd congressional district includes Oak Ridge, home to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and other major Department of Energy facilities that are among the largest employers in the region. Fleischmann's role on the subcommittee allows him to advocate for funding and programs that directly affect his constituents.

In January 2026, Fleischmann shepherded the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development appropriations bill through the House of Representatives, a significant legislative accomplishment in his role as subcommittee chairman.

Fleischmann has also used his position to direct federal funding to institutions within his district. In February 2026, he secured $3 million in federal funding for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's Translational Research Program. The announcement was made at Chattanooga City Hall alongside UTC Chancellor Lori Bruce and local civic and industry leaders.

Legislative Positions and Political Stances

Throughout his congressional career, Fleischmann has generally aligned with the conservative wing of the Republican Party on major policy issues. He has been a consistent supporter of Republican leadership positions on fiscal policy, government spending, and regulatory reform.

On trade policy, Fleischmann has expressed support for the tariff policies advocated by Republican administrations. In February 2026, he stated that he voted to maintain tariffs on Canadian imports in support of President Donald Trump's trade agenda, even while acknowledging the financial impact that such tariffs have on Tennessee farmers.

On immigration policy, Fleischmann has taken a firm stance against changes to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), stating in February 2026 that "no changes need to be made" to the agency amid calls from some quarters for an overhaul of immigration enforcement practices.

In October 2025, Fleischmann released a statement regarding a government shutdown, attributing responsibility to Democrats in his capacity as Chairman of Energy and Water Appropriations.

Constituent Relations

Fleischmann's approach to constituent engagement has drawn attention, particularly his stated position on town hall meetings. In September 2025, it was reported that Fleischmann declared he would "never" hold another town hall meeting, a decision that generated debate among constituents and political observers regarding elected officials' accessibility to the public.

Congressional Caucus Memberships

Fleischmann has been a member of several congressional caucuses and groups. He has been affiliated with the International Conservation Caucus. He has also been a member of the Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Japan Relations.

Personal Life

Fleischmann resides in Ooltewah, a community in the Chattanooga metropolitan area in Hamilton County. He and his wife have three children. Before entering Congress, he was established in the Chattanooga legal community through his private law practice. Fleischmann's residence in the Ooltewah area places him within the 3rd congressional district he represents.

Recognition

Fleischmann's most prominent position of recognition within Congress is his chairmanship of the Energy and Water Development Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, one of the key subcommittees controlling federal spending. This chairmanship reflects his seniority within the Republican conference and his standing on the Appropriations Committee, which is considered one of the most influential committees in the House of Representatives.

His ability to secure federal funding for projects within his district, such as the $3 million allocation for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's Translational Research Program, has been noted as an example of his effectiveness in using his appropriations role to benefit his constituents.

Fleischmann's campaign financial disclosures are maintained by the Federal Election Commission.