NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — In a notable win, Matt Van Epps, a former commissioner in Tennessee's Governor Bill Lee's administration, won a hotly contested Republican primary for the special election aiming to fill the congressional seat vacated by GOP Congressman Mark Green this summer. Critical to Van Epps' success was a last-minute endorsement from former President Donald Trump, which made a substantial impact after early in-person voting had concluded.
The primary ballot featured eleven Republican candidates, including key competitors such as state Representatives Jody Barrett and Gino Bulso, both of whom suspended their campaigns and endorsed Van Epps after Trump's support became clear. The general election scheduled for December 2 is anticipated to reflect the current standing of Trump's agenda within suburban Republican circles.
The congressional seat, drawn to be a Republican stronghold in 2022, has seen Republican Mark Green winning decisively in previous elections by significant margins. During the campaign, Van Epps highlighted his military experience, including roles as a lieutenant colonel in the Tennessee Army National Guard and as an Army Special Operations pilot.
In contrast, four Democratic contenders have characterized Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill" and other policies as harmful. Among them, Rep. Aftyn Behn advocates for women’s reproductive rights, while Rep. Vincent Dixie promotes his historical role as the first Black leader of a legislative caucus in state history. Other candidates, including Bo Mitchell and Darden Copeland, address critical issues like healthcare access and private sector experiences in their campaign strategies.
The 7th Congressional District encompasses fourteen counties and features a mix of urban, rural, and suburban demographics, including parts of Nashville and the military base Fort Campbell. Such dynamics make the upcoming election pivotal for both parties, especially given the extensive financial support from outside groups primarily focusing on the GOP side.
The primary ballot featured eleven Republican candidates, including key competitors such as state Representatives Jody Barrett and Gino Bulso, both of whom suspended their campaigns and endorsed Van Epps after Trump's support became clear. The general election scheduled for December 2 is anticipated to reflect the current standing of Trump's agenda within suburban Republican circles.
The congressional seat, drawn to be a Republican stronghold in 2022, has seen Republican Mark Green winning decisively in previous elections by significant margins. During the campaign, Van Epps highlighted his military experience, including roles as a lieutenant colonel in the Tennessee Army National Guard and as an Army Special Operations pilot.
In contrast, four Democratic contenders have characterized Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill" and other policies as harmful. Among them, Rep. Aftyn Behn advocates for women’s reproductive rights, while Rep. Vincent Dixie promotes his historical role as the first Black leader of a legislative caucus in state history. Other candidates, including Bo Mitchell and Darden Copeland, address critical issues like healthcare access and private sector experiences in their campaign strategies.
The 7th Congressional District encompasses fourteen counties and features a mix of urban, rural, and suburban demographics, including parts of Nashville and the military base Fort Campbell. Such dynamics make the upcoming election pivotal for both parties, especially given the extensive financial support from outside groups primarily focusing on the GOP side.
