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Trump Endorsement Propels Matt Van Epps to Tennessee GOP House Nomination

The December contest in the solidly Republican 7th District positions him to potentially expand the GOP’s narrow House majority.

The state flag of Tennessee stands outside the office of Tennessee's 7th Congressional District in Washington, Sept. 2, 2025, which has a seat that became vacant following the resignation of Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn. on July 20. (AP Photo/Robert Yoon)
This combination photo of candidates to replace Republican Rep. Mark Green in a Tennessee special election for the U.S. Seventh Congressional District shows Republican Jody Barrett, from top left, Democrat Aftyn Behn, Republican Gino Bulso, Democrat Darden Copeland, Democrat Vincent Dixie, Republican Mason Foley, and bottom row from left, Republican Joe Leurs, Democrat Bo Mitchell and Republicans Lee Reeves, Matt Van Epps and Tres Wittum. (AP Photo)
Republican candidates for Tennessee's 7th Congressional District Matt Van Epps, Lee Reeves, Gino Bulso and Jody Barrett debate at CabaRay Showroom in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Sept. 5, 2025.
Matt Van Epps on Sept. 8, 2025, in Dickson, Tenn.

Overview

  • The Associated Press and NBC News projected Van Epps the GOP nominee after he defeated a crowded field in Tuesday’s special primary.
  • President Trump's late endorsement upended the race, prompting state Rep. Lee Reeves and businessman Stuart Cooper to suspend their bids and urge supporters to back Van Epps.
  • Van Epps will face Democratic state Rep. Aftyn Behn in the Dec. 2 special general election in a district Republicans have carried by wide margins.
  • Conservative outside groups poured millions into the primary, with the School Freedom Fund and Conservatives for American Excellence backing Van Epps as roughly $1.1 million was spent opposing Jody Barrett.
  • An Army veteran and former state general services commissioner, Van Epps also had support from Gov. Bill Lee, former Rep. Mark Green and Rep. Jim Jordan, and centered his campaign on his military service.