Matt Van Epps is projected to win a crowded Republican main Tuesday within the particular election to interchange a former Tennessee GOP congressman, based on The Related Press.
Van Epps will face off in December towards Democratic state Rep. Aftyn Behn, who’s projected to win a four-way main for the Democratic nomination.
Van Epps clinched the GOP victory following an endorsement from President Trump that got here after in-person early voting ended. Eleven Republicans have been on the poll for the seat vacated by former Rep. Mark Inexperienced, who resigned over the summer time as a consequence of “an opportunity in the private sector that was too exciting to pass up.” Amongst them, two candidates suspended their campaigns after Mr. Trump weighed in and joined the president in endorsing Van Epps.
Republican Congressional candidate Matt Van Epps speaks throughout a discussion board on Sept. 8, 2025, in Dickson, Tenn.
George Walker IV / AP
“Thank you to the people of Middle and West Tennessee! Our Donald J. Trump-endorsed campaign won in a landslide tonight,” Van Epps stated on social media. “Now, on to December 2nd! We’re going to win the general and keep this seat RED!”
If Republicans maintain onto the seat, it could barely develop their margin within the U.S. Home, the place the GOP holds a single-digit majority. The final election in December may additionally gauge the recognition of Mr. Trump’s second-term agenda, particularly with Republican-leaning suburban voters within the Nashville space.
The seventh Congressional District spans 14 counties, bordering each Kentucky and Alabama. Together with components of Nashville, it consists of rural areas, rich suburbs and a part of a army set up, Fort Campbell. The seat is certainly one of three districts that GOP lawmakers drew as safely pink in 2022 by dividing left-leaning Nashville. Its voters elected Inexperienced by 21 proportion factors in 2024 and by practically 22 factors in 2022.
Of its 9 seats within the Home, Tennessee at present has one Democrat, Rep. Steve Cohen of Memphis. Republican redistricting in 2022 allowed the GOP to flip one other Democratic seat that was drawn to incorporate solely a part of Nashville.
Van Epps beforehand served in a number of roles beneath Tennessee Gov. Invoice Lee. Through the main marketing campaign, Van Epps leaned into his army expertise, together with as a Tennessee Military Nationwide Guard lieutenant colonel and as an Military Particular Operations helicopter pilot. Among the many rivals he defeated have been state Reps. Jody Barrett and Gino Bulso.
Behn is a social employee and neighborhood organizer who has targeted on ladies’s reproductive well being rights, together with as a plaintiff in a lawsuit towards a Tennessee regulation banning adults from serving to minors get an abortion with out parental permission. A decide has halted the availability’s enforcement.
Mr. Trump endorsed Van Epps in a Fact Social put up late final week that praised him as an “America First Patriot.”
“A West Point Graduate, and Combat Decorated Army Helicopter Pilot, Matt knows the WISDOM and COURAGE required to Defend our Country, Support our Incredible Military/Veterans, and Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH,” Mr. Trump wrote.
The nod from Mr. Trump adopted Van Epps’ prior endorsements from Lee, Inexperienced and Republican Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio.
Exterior teams spent greater than $3.1 million on the race, nearly all on the GOP facet, with about $1.1 million opposing Barrett.
The Republican main contenders praised Mr. Trump and expressed staunch opposition to something perceived as liberal or “woke.” In the meantime, within the Democratic main, the 4 candidates attacked the laws Mr. Trump dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” along with his tariffs.
Extra from CBS Information
