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 they likewise 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.
The four Democratic candidates in the race, meanwhile, have attacked the legislation Trump dubbed the 'Big, Beautiful Bill,' in addition to his tariffs. Rep. Aftyn Behn, a social worker and community organizer, focused on women's reproductive health rights, including as a plaintiff in a lawsuit against a Tennessee law banning adults from helping minors get an abortion without parental permission. A judge has halted the provision's enforcement.
Rep. Vincent Dixie, a businessman in the bail bond industry, has touted his record of having served as the first Black leader of a legislative caucus in state history, likening Washington's policies to garbage for working families. Rep. Bo Mitchell, who works in employee benefits, has concentrated on access to healthcare and his rural roots in Dickson County. Darden Copeland, founder of a public affairs firm, has emphasized his private sector experience amid a field primarily composed of elected officials.
The 7th Congressional District spans 14 counties, bordered by Kentucky and Alabama. It includes parts of Nashville, rural areas, wealthy suburbs, and Fort Campbell, a military installation.
Outside groups spent more than $3.1 million on the race, predominantly supporting the GOP, with about $1.1 million aimed at opposing Barrett.
The Republican contenders praised Trump and maintained a strong opposition to anything perceived as liberal or 'woke.' The special election provided state House members an enticing opportunity to run for Congress without sacrificing their current positions.
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 they likewise 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.
The four Democratic candidates in the race, meanwhile, have attacked the legislation Trump dubbed the 'Big, Beautiful Bill,' in addition to his tariffs. Rep. Aftyn Behn, a social worker and community organizer, focused on women's reproductive health rights, including as a plaintiff in a lawsuit against a Tennessee law banning adults from helping minors get an abortion without parental permission. A judge has halted the provision's enforcement.
Rep. Vincent Dixie, a businessman in the bail bond industry, has touted his record of having served as the first Black leader of a legislative caucus in state history, likening Washington's policies to garbage for working families. Rep. Bo Mitchell, who works in employee benefits, has concentrated on access to healthcare and his rural roots in Dickson County. Darden Copeland, founder of a public affairs firm, has emphasized his private sector experience amid a field primarily composed of elected officials.
The 7th Congressional District spans 14 counties, bordered by Kentucky and Alabama. It includes parts of Nashville, rural areas, wealthy suburbs, and Fort Campbell, a military installation.
Outside groups spent more than $3.1 million on the race, predominantly supporting the GOP, with about $1.1 million aimed at opposing Barrett.
The Republican contenders praised Trump and maintained a strong opposition to anything perceived as liberal or 'woke.' The special election provided state House members an enticing opportunity to run for Congress without sacrificing their current positions.
