NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Matt Van Epps, a former commissioner in Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s administration, emerged victorious in a crowded Republican primary on Tuesday for the special election to fill the seat vacated by former GOP congressman Mark Green. Van Epps secured support from President Donald Trump, who endorsed him just after in-person early voting closed. This endorsement was pivotal as several running Republicans, including state Rep. Lee Reeves, suspended their campaigns and rallied behind Van Epps following Trump's backing.
The upcoming general election on December 2 is expected to gauge the traction of Trump’s second-term agenda among suburban Republican voters, as the GOP hopes to maintain a stronghold in a district designed to lean strongly Republican. In recent elections, the district's voters opted for Green by margins of 21 points in 2024 and nearly 22 points in 2022.
During his campaign, Van Epps highlighted his military experience as a Tennessee Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and Special Operations helicopter pilot, outpacing competitors such as state Reps. Jody Barrett and Gino Bulso. Trump's endorsement follows a series of endorsements Van Epps had already received from notable figures including Gov. Bill Lee, Mark Green, and U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan.
On the Democratic side, candidates are positioning themselves as challengers to Trump's policies, criticizing legislation like the so-called Big, Beautiful Bill and advocating for women's rights. The Democratic candidates include Rep. Aftyn Behn, who focuses on reproductive health, and Rep. Vincent Dixie, the first Black leader of a legislative caucus in the state. The 7th Congressional District itself encompasses a diverse range of communities, from the urban center of Nashville to surrounding rural and suburban areas, extending across 14 counties and including military installations such as Fort Campbell. The election has drawn significant financial support, with over $3.1 million spent primarily on Republican candidates, emphasizing the competitive nature of this special election.
The upcoming general election on December 2 is expected to gauge the traction of Trump’s second-term agenda among suburban Republican voters, as the GOP hopes to maintain a stronghold in a district designed to lean strongly Republican. In recent elections, the district's voters opted for Green by margins of 21 points in 2024 and nearly 22 points in 2022.
During his campaign, Van Epps highlighted his military experience as a Tennessee Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and Special Operations helicopter pilot, outpacing competitors such as state Reps. Jody Barrett and Gino Bulso. Trump's endorsement follows a series of endorsements Van Epps had already received from notable figures including Gov. Bill Lee, Mark Green, and U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan.
On the Democratic side, candidates are positioning themselves as challengers to Trump's policies, criticizing legislation like the so-called Big, Beautiful Bill and advocating for women's rights. The Democratic candidates include Rep. Aftyn Behn, who focuses on reproductive health, and Rep. Vincent Dixie, the first Black leader of a legislative caucus in the state. The 7th Congressional District itself encompasses a diverse range of communities, from the urban center of Nashville to surrounding rural and suburban areas, extending across 14 counties and including military installations such as Fort Campbell. The election has drawn significant financial support, with over $3.1 million spent primarily on Republican candidates, emphasizing the competitive nature of this special election.
