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FIRST ON FOX: With less than a week remaining until the pivotal primary election, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has thrown his support behind Republican Matt Van Epps as the candidate to fill the vacancy left by former Congressman Mark Green in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Mark Green’s retirement has initiated a fiercely contested special election featuring a remarkable 19 candidates, including 11 Republicans, all vying for their party’s nomination. Van Epps received Green’s endorsement shortly before the latter’s departure from Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District in July.
“My friend Matt Van Epps has my complete and total endorsement, and I look forward to calling him my congressman,” Lee stated on Tuesday. “I’ll be casting my vote for Matt, and I encourage all conservatives to join me in doing the same on October 7th.”
In an exclusive response to Fox News Digital, Van Epps expressed gratitude for Lee’s endorsement. He emphasized his commitment to championing President Donald Trump’s agenda in Congress, describing himself as a “strong conservative voice” ready to make an impact.
Governor Lee’s Expression of Confidence
Governor Lee elaborated on his support, stating, “Matt Van Epps is the conservative, America First fighter we need representing Tennessee. As a West Point graduate, decorated Special Operations combat pilot, current National Guardsman, and former member of my cabinet, Matt possesses the character and courage necessary to go to Washington and advocate for Tennesseans.”
Van Epps’ career includes significant achievements as he was appointed as commissioner of the Department of General Services in 2024. He has served in various Tennessee state agencies, notably in the Departments of Veteran Services and Transportation.
Lee praised Van Epps for his accomplishments, saying, “During his term as commissioner, he worked diligently to cut red tape, enhance accountability, and promote government efficiency. He will align fully with President Trump and apply that same results-driven leadership in Congress to uphold our conservative values and combat the liberal policies that threaten our way of life.”
A Distinguished Military Career
Van Epps’ background is both impressive and distinguished. He graduated from West Point in 2005 and completed an impressive nine combat tours as an Apache pilot for the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade. He also served as a Chinook pilot for the esteemed 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, famously known as the Night Stalkers.
Mark Green’s announcement of his retirement from Congress came just last month. He informed House Speaker Mike Johnson that he would step down immediately after the House voted on Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” which Republicans successfully passed ahead of their self-imposed July 4 deadline.
Green has represented Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District since 2019. His last day in Congress was July 20. As chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, Green played a vital role within the Republican Party. His early exit from Congress has further narrowed the already slim Republican majority in the House to 219 members, compared to 212 Democrats, as of July.
Political Landscape and Upcoming Primary
In the context of the upcoming primary election, Tennessee’s 7th district has demonstrated strong support for Trump, with voters backing him by a significant margin of over 20 points in the previous election. This statistic underscores the importance of the party’s nomination as candidates present their visions to their constituents.
With the primary election scheduled for October 7, the focus intensifies on the Republican candidates aiming to garner support within this competitive landscape. The special election is set for December 2, following the nomination of the Republican candidate.
As the race heats up, the endorsements and support that candidates receive will play crucial roles in shaping the outcome of the primary. With Governor Lee’s influential backing, Van Epps is poised to position himself as a leading contender in this high-stakes electoral environment.
The anticipation leading to the primary reflects broader political currents within Tennessee, further complicating the path for candidates as they navigate voter sentiment and expectations. Ultimately, the outcomes in this special election will likely resonate well beyond the state’s borders, as national attention turns to the evolving dynamics within the Republican Party.
As Tennessee prepares for this significant election, voters are reminded of their critical role in shaping the future of their representation in Congress. The sound of ballots being cast on October 7 will echo through the halls of power, determining not just the next congressman from the 7th District, but also the direction of the Republican Party moving forward.
