With just days remaining before the primary election, Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee has thrown his support behind Matt Van Epps to fill the vacancy left by former Representative Mark Green in the U.S. House of Representatives. Green’s retirement has sparked a highly competitive special election featuring 19 candidates, including 11 Republicans. Van Epps’s campaign received a significant boost with Green’s endorsement prior to his departure from Congress. “My friend Matt Van Epps has my complete and total endorsement, and I look forward to calling him my congressman,” Lee stated. He encourages conservatives to vote for Van Epps on October 7.
Van Epps himself expressed his gratitude for the endorsement. “I’m deeply honored by the trust Governor Lee has placed in me,” he told Fox News Digital. He emphasized his commitment to upholding President Trump’s agenda in Congress and positioning himself as a “strong conservative voice.”
Governor Lee highlighted Van Epps’s qualifications, calling him the “conservative, America First fighter” that Tennessee needs. As a West Point graduate and decorated combat pilot, Van Epps brings military experience to the table. “He has the character and the courage to go to Washington and fight for Tennesseans,” Lee noted in a statement. His military service as an Apache pilot for the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade and a Chinook pilot for the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment demonstrates his dedication and leadership capabilities.
In addition to his military background, Van Epps has held various roles in state government, including his recent position as the Commissioner of the Department of General Services. During his tenure, he focused on reducing bureaucracy and enhancing government efficiency. Governor Lee praised his record, stating, “He will stand fully with President Trump, bringing that same results-driven leadership to Congress to defend our conservative values… fight back against the liberal policies that threaten our way of life.”
Mark Green’s retirement announcement came last month. He informed House Speaker Mike Johnson that he would resign once the House voted on Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.” Green has represented Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District since 2019 and has played a significant role as chair of the House Homeland Security Committee. His departure further narrows the already slim Republican majority in the House, which currently stands at 219 Republicans to 212 Democrats.
The stakes are high in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, which notably supported Trump by more than 20 points in the last election. The Republican primary is scheduled for October 7, followed by the special election on December 2. This election will not only determine who fills Green’s seat but will also influence the dynamics within the House as the GOP continues navigating the challenges of maintaining their majority.
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