Trump-Backed Matt Van Epps Wins Tennessee GOP Nomination for US House Special Election

Matt Van Epps, supported by former President Donald Trump, won the Republican nomination in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District special election.

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Business Standard

He emerged from a crowded field after receiving a late boost from Trump.

Business Standard

Western Alternative outlet Roll Call reports that Van Epps secured over 51% of the vote in an 11-candidate primary.

Western Mainstream NBC News notes he defeated 10 other Republican candidates and was the only one with Trump's official backing.

Asian outlet Moneycontrol highlights the timing and impact of Trump's last-minute endorsement.

Local Western sources describe the district as a safely Republican area that includes parts of Nashville, rural regions, wealthy suburbs, and Fort Campbell.

This sets the stage for the December 2 general election to fill the seat left by former Representative Mark Green.

Endorsements and campaign dynamics played a decisive role in the race.

Moneycontrol reports that Trump’s endorsement prompted two rivals, including state Representative Lee Reeves, to drop out and support him.

Roll Call

MyNorthwest details that Reeves and businessman Stuart Cooper suspended their campaigns and backed him.

NBC News adds that although all GOP candidates supported Trump, Van Epps alone had the former president’s formal backing.

Van Epps also drew support from former Representative Mark Green, Governor Bill Lee, and Representative Jim Jordan.

CBS News and Local Western WKMG highlight Van Epps’ military credentials, describing him as a military veteran and a Tennessee Army National Guard lieutenant colonel with Special Operations experience.

WKMG also notes that Van Epps secured the nomination by defeating state Representatives Jody Barrett and Gino Bulso.

Democrats face a competitive but challenging general election in a district multiple outlets call safely Republican.

“ByJim Thomas|Tuesday, 07 October 2025 11:00 PM EDT President Donald Trump's last-minute endorsement proved decisive in Tennessee, helping Matt Van Epps capture the Republican nomination in a special House election to replace former Rep”

Newsmax

CBS News projects Van Epps will face state Representative Aftyn Behn.

Local Western and Asian sources describe Behn as a reproductive-rights advocate.

The Daily American Republic outlines a broader Democratic field including Representative Vincent Dixie, Representative Bo Mitchell, Darden Copeland, and another candidate.

The same source says Democrats have criticized Trump's policies, including his 'Big, Beautiful Bill' and tariffs.

Moneycontrol highlights Dixie's profile as the first Black leader of a legislative caucus in Tennessee.

The Daily American Republic notes an unusual rule that state House members can run for Congress without giving up their seats.

Outside influence and the district’s political leaning are significant factors.

Both Moneycontrol and the Daily American Republic report over $3.1 million in outside spending, mostly supporting Republicans.

Daily American Republic

MyNorthwest adds that school choice advocates contributed funds opposing Barrett.

National outlets describe the area as strongly Republican—NBC calls it a Republican stronghold for decades.

NBC also notes that Trump carried the district with over 60% of the vote last year.

Moneycontrol points out that the seat was redrawn in 2022 to favor Republicans.

Multiple sources view the December 2 contest as a test of Trump’s influence among suburban Republicans.

A few ambiguities and contradictions appear across local and national coverage.

WKMG twice labels Mark Green as a Democrat while describing a district other outlets call safely Republican and historically red.

Newsday

This conflicts with CBS’ reference to former Tennessee GOP Congressman Mark Green and NBC’s description of a Republican stronghold.

Roll Call provides the clearest numeric snapshot, reporting over 51% in an 11-candidate primary.

Multiple outlets vary between calling the outcome projected or final.

Local and national outlets agree on the district’s geography and military footprint, noting parts of Nashville and an Army base, Fort Campbell.

Most sources point to the December 2 general election timeline.