CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Two more Tennessee legislators have stepped into the race to replace Rep. Mark Green in Congress.
State Rep. Lee Reeves becomes the fifth Republican to announce, and state Rep. Aftyn Behn is the second Democrat.
Green, a Republican who has represented U.S. House District 7 since 2019, announced June 9 that he is going back into the private sector. His last day in Congress will be July 20. The special primary election to replace him will be called by Lee, and it should come sometime in mid- to late September.
Rep. Aftyn Behn
In announcing her run on Wednesday, Behn took aim at the recently passed budget bill. “This is a wake-up call,” she said. “If we don’t bring change to Congress, billionaires and bought-out politicians will keep rigging the system against us.”
Behn, of Nashville and originally from Knoxville, is a licensed social worker and has represented District 51 since 2023.
Rep. Lee Reeves
Rep. Lee Reeves announced his candidacy on Tuesday. In a news release, Reeves “pledged to be a reliable teammate in advancing the America First agenda in Washington.”
Reeves, of Franklin, has represented District 65 since 2024.
Maberry decides not to run
Meanwhile, state Rep. Aron Maberry announced Wednesday that he will not be in the running.
“While I will not be entering the race, it is vitally important who represents us in Congressional District 7. I’m watching closely to see who steps forward and will carefully consider any endorsements in due time,” he said in a statement to Clarksville Now.
Who’s running so far
While more announcements may be coming, here’s who has stepped up so far.
Republicans:
- State Rep. Jody Barrett: Dickson small-business owner who has represented District 69 since 2022.
- Jason Knight: Clarksville county commissioner and former City Council member, small-business owner and military veteran.
- State Rep. Lee Reeves: Franklin legislator who represents House District 65.
- Jon Thorp: Springfield military veteran.
- Matt Van Epps: Nashville former commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services, military veteran.
Democrats:
- State Rep. Aftyn Behn: Nashville social worker who represents House District 51.
- State Rep. Bo Mitchell: Bellevue legislator who represents House District 50.
U.S. House District 7 covers the western portion of Middle Tennessee, spanning from the Kentucky state line to the Alabama state line. It includes Montgomery County and portions of Nashville/Davidson County and Williamson County.
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