Trump-backed Matt Van Epps wins GOP primary in Tennessee House race

Matt Van Epps is expected to win a crowded Republican primary in the special election Tuesday to replace a former Republican congressman from Tennessee., according to the Associated Press.

Van Epps will face Democratic Rep. Aftyn Behn in December, who is expected to win a four-way primary for the Democratic nomination.

Van Epps clinched the GOP victory following President Trump’s endorsement after in-person early voting ended. Eleven Republicans were vying for the seat vacated by former Rep. Mark Green, who resigned this summer due to “an opportunity in the private sector that was too exciting to pass up.” Among them, two candidates suspended their campaigns after Mr. Trump spoke out and joined the president in supporting Van Epps.

“Thank you to the people of Middle and West Tennessee! Our Donald J. Trump-backed campaign won a landslide victory tonight,” Van Epps said on social media. “Now for December 2nd! We’re going to win the overall and keep this RED seat!”

If Republicans retain their seats, it would slightly increase their margin in the House of Representatives, where the Republican Party holds a single-digit majority. The December general election could also measure the popularity of Mr. Trump’s second-term agenda, particularly among Republican-leaning suburban voters in the Nashville area.

The 7th Congressional District spans 14 counties, bordering Kentucky and Alabama. Along with parts of Nashville, it includes rural areas, wealthy suburbs, and part of a military installation, Fort Campbell. The seat is one of three districts that GOP lawmakers have moved to safely red in 2022 by splitting left-leaning Nashville. Its voters elected Green by 21 percentage points in 2024 and almost 22 points in 2022.

Of its nine House seats, Tennessee currently has one Democrat, Rep. Steve Cohen of Memphis. Republican redistricting in 2022 allowed the GOP to flip another Democratic seat that was set to include only part of Nashville.

Van Epps previously served in several positions under Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. During the primary campaign, Van Epps drew on his military experience, including serving as a lieutenant colonel in the Tennessee Army National Guard and as an Army Special Operations helicopter pilot. Among the competitors he defeated were state Reps. Jody Barrett and Gino Bulso.

Behn was a social worker and community organizer who focused on women’s reproductive health rights, including as a plaintiff in a lawsuit against a Tennessee law prohibiting adults from assisting minors with abortions without parental permission. A judge suspended enforcement of the provision.

Mr. Trump endorsed Van Epps in a Truth Social article late last 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 necessary to defend our country, support our incredible military/veterans, and ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH,” Mr. Trump wrote.

Mr. Trump’s nod followed Van Epps’ earlier endorsements from Lee, Green and Republican Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio.

Outside groups have spent more than $3.1 million on the race, almost all on the GOP side, with about $1.1 million opposing Barrett.

Republican primary candidates praised Mr. Trump and expressed strong opposition to anything perceived as liberal or “woke.” Meanwhile, in the Democratic primary, all four candidates attacked legislation that Mr. Trump dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” in addition to his tariffs.