Updated with candidate Lee Reeves’ announcement.
CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – With early voting for the Republican Primary finished and only days to go before Election Day, one of the candidates for Congress District 7, Matt Van Epps, has received endorsements from both the president and the governor, prompting fellow candidate Lee Reeves to suspend his campaign.
Trump endorses Matt Van Epps
Friday afternoon, President Donald Trump posted to Truth Social his endorsement of Van Epps, saying, “It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Patriot Matt Van Epps, who is running to represent the Great People of Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District.
“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. In Congress, Matt will work hard to Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion School Choice, Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment. He is strongly supported by my good friend, Congressman Jim Jordan, and many other highly respected MAGA Warriors!
“Matt Van Epps has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Congressman from Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
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Candidate Lee Reeves suspends campaign
Friday afternoon, Reeves responded to Trump’s endorsement by suspending his campaign and putting his support behind Van Epps.
“This summer I entered the special election for Congress because I fully support President Trump and his America First conservative agenda,” Reeves said in a statement. “Throughout the campaign, I consistently told voters that President Trump is our quarterback. … Today, the President called a play I did not expect. He endorsed Matt Van Epps and gave him his complete and total endorsement to be the next Congressman for Tennessee’s 7th District. The words I said on the campaign trail were not hollow. I meant them. I support our President, and if this is the call he has made, I will back him up. Therefore, I am suspending my campaign and will stand shoulder to shoulder with President Trump.”
Reeves encouraged his supporters who haven’t yet voted to vote instead for Van Epps. Reeves’ name will remain on the ballot, as the withrawal deadline passed before early voting began.
Gov. Bill Lee endorsement
Thursday evening, the campaign announced an endorsement from Gov. Bill Lee. Van Epps worked for the Lee administration as Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services.
“Matt Van Epps is the conservative, America First fighter we need representing Tennessee,” Lee said. “As a West Point graduate, decorated Special Operations combat pilot, current National Guardsman, and former member of my cabinet, Matt has the character and the courage to go to Washington and fight for Tennesseans. In his time as Commissioner, he worked to cut red tape, increase accountability, and drive government efficiency.
“He will stand fully with President Trump, bringing that same results-driven leadership to Congress to defend our conservative values, and fight back against the liberal policies that threaten our way of life. My friend Matt Van Epps has my complete and total endorsement, and I look forward to calling him my Congressman. I’ll be casting my vote for Matt, and I encourage all conservatives to join me in doing the same on October 7th.”
Van Epps was also endorsed by former District 7 Congressman Mark Green.
Early voting for the party primaries ended Thursday, and primary Election Day is Tuesday, Oct. 7.
Who’s running for Congress
Here are the 15 candidates that are on the ballots for Congress, District 7.
Republican Primary:
- Jody Barrett: Dickson small-business owner and state House member.
- Gino Bulso: A Brentwood trial lawyer and state House member.
- Stuart Cooper: Franklin, with Flagler Technologies.
- Adolph Agbéko Dagan: Clarksville veteran, minister and small business owner.
- Mason Foley: Franklin, former staff member for U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell. Now with Main Street Health.
- Jason Knight: Montgomery County commissioner and former Clarksville City Council member, small-business owner and military veteran.
- Joe Leurs: Retired from Marines and Metro Nashville Police Department.
- Stewart Parks: Nashville real estate agent.
- Lee Reeves: Franklin state House member.
- Matt Van Epps: Nashville former commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services, military veteran.
- Tres Wittum: Former Tennessee Senate staff member.
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Democratic Primary:
- Aftyn Behn: Nashville social worker and state House member.
- Darden Copeland: Nashville businessman.
- Vincent Dixie: Nashville businessman and state House member.
- Bo Mitchell: Bellevue state House member.
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Independents (general ballot only):
- Teresa “Terri” Christi
- Bobby Dodge: Franklin
- Robert James Sutherby
- Jon Thorp: Springfield military veteran.
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.
Voting and registration deadlines
For the Oct. 7 primary Election Day, voters will report to their precincts from 7 a.m.to 7 p.m. Go to ClarksvilleNow.com on Tuesday for live election coverage.
For the Dec. 2 general election, voters must register by Nov. 3. Early voting will be Nov. 12-26.
Clarksville Transit System will be offering free bus rides on Oct. 7 and Dec. 2 to help people get to their polling locations.
You can check your registration, update your information, or register to vote at GoVoteTN.gov or by using the free GoVoteTNApp. For more information, the Montgomery County Election Commission, 350 Pageant Lane, Suite 404, or call 931-648-5707.