NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Matt Van Epps, a former commissioner in Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s administration, won a crowded Republican primary Tuesday in the special election to replace a GOP congressman who left office this summer. Van Epps clinched the victory with an endorsement from President Donald Trump that came after in-person early voting ended. Eleven Republicans were on the ballot for the seat vacated by former U.S. Rep. Mark Green. Among them, two candidates, including state Rep. Lee Reeves, suspended their campaigns after Trump weighed in and endorsed Van Epps.
The Dec. 2 general election could gauge the popularity of Trump’s aggressive second-term agenda, especially with suburban Republican voters. The seat is one of three districts that GOP lawmakers drew as safely red in 2022 by dividing left-leaning Nashville. Its voters elected Green by 21 percentage points in 2024 and by nearly 22 points in 2022.
During the primary campaign, Van Epps leaned into his military experience, including as a Tennessee Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and as an Army Special Operations helicopter pilot. Among the competitors he defeated were state Reps. Jody Barrett and Gino Bulso. Trump’s backing followed Van Epps’ prior endorsements from Lee, Green, and U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan.
In contrast, the four Democratic candidates in the race have criticized the legislation Trump dubbed the 'Big, Beautiful Bill,' alongside his tariffs. Rep. Aftyn Behn has focused on women’s reproductive health rights, while Rep. Vincent Dixie has highlighted his record as the first Black leader of a legislative caucus in state history. Rep. Bo Mitchell has emphasized healthcare access and his roots in rural Dickson County. Darden Copeland, a public affairs consultant, has sought to differentiate himself as a private sector candidate in a field of elected officials.
The 7th Congressional District spans 14 counties, bordering Kentucky and Alabama. It includes both parts of Nashville and various rural areas and suburbs. Outside groups have spent over $3.1 million on the race, primarily supporting GOP candidates. The special election gives state House members an enticing opportunity to run for Congress without giving up their existing seats. Currently, Tennessee has nine seats in the U.S. House, with only one occupied by a Democrat.
The Dec. 2 general election could gauge the popularity of Trump’s aggressive second-term agenda, especially with suburban Republican voters. The seat is one of three districts that GOP lawmakers drew as safely red in 2022 by dividing left-leaning Nashville. Its voters elected Green by 21 percentage points in 2024 and by nearly 22 points in 2022.
During the primary campaign, Van Epps leaned into his military experience, including as a Tennessee Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and as an Army Special Operations helicopter pilot. Among the competitors he defeated were state Reps. Jody Barrett and Gino Bulso. Trump’s backing followed Van Epps’ prior endorsements from Lee, Green, and U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan.
In contrast, the four Democratic candidates in the race have criticized the legislation Trump dubbed the 'Big, Beautiful Bill,' alongside his tariffs. Rep. Aftyn Behn has focused on women’s reproductive health rights, while Rep. Vincent Dixie has highlighted his record as the first Black leader of a legislative caucus in state history. Rep. Bo Mitchell has emphasized healthcare access and his roots in rural Dickson County. Darden Copeland, a public affairs consultant, has sought to differentiate himself as a private sector candidate in a field of elected officials.
The 7th Congressional District spans 14 counties, bordering Kentucky and Alabama. It includes both parts of Nashville and various rural areas and suburbs. Outside groups have spent over $3.1 million on the race, primarily supporting GOP candidates. The special election gives state House members an enticing opportunity to run for Congress without giving up their existing seats. Currently, Tennessee has nine seats in the U.S. House, with only one occupied by a Democrat.
