NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — In a significant political development, Matt Van Epps, a former commissioner in Governor Bill Lee’s administration, emerged victorious in a competitive Republican primary on Tuesday, aimed at replacing GOP Congressman Mark Green who departed this summer.
Boosted by a critical endorsement from former President Donald Trump just after the conclusion of early voting, Van Epps navigated a crowded ballot that featured eleven Republican candidates. This includes two, state Rep. Lee Reeves and another, who suspended their campaigns and endorsed Van Epps following Trump's intervention.
The upcoming general election on December 2 is anticipated to serve as a litmus test for Trump’s influence and popularity among suburban Republican voters. The congressional district, previously deemed safely red, played a significant role in the 2024 elections, where Green won with a considerable margin of 21 points.
Throughout the campaign, Van Epps emphasized his military roots, presenting himself as a Tennessee Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and a former Army Special Operations helicopter pilot. Notable competitors he bested included state Representatives Jody Barrett and Gino Bulso.
Trump’s endorsement added to a list of influential supporters for Van Epps, which included Governor Lee, former Congressman Green, and U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, signaling strong establishment support.
Meanwhile, Democratic candidates have criticized Trump’s policies, labeling various legislation he backed as harmful. Among the four Democratic contenders, Rep. Aftyn Behn has emerged as a vocal advocate for women's reproductive health rights, while Rep. Vincent Dixie pledges change, leveraging his history as the first Black leader of a legislative caucus.
The newly drawn 7th Congressional District encompasses a diverse demographic, comprising parts of Nashville, affluent suburbs, and rural hometowns across 14 counties, bordering Kentucky and Alabama. This election cycle has seen significant financial backing, most notably from outside groups which invested over $3.1 million on the Republican side.
With Tennessee currently holding nine seats in the U.S. House, only one is occupied by a Democrat. The redistricting efforts in 2022 have substantially fortified the Republican positions in the state, suggesting that this special election will carry far-reaching implications for future contests.
