CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The special election for Congress, District 7, is coming up Dec. 2, with early voting starting Wednesday, Nov. 12. To help voters with their decisions, Clarksville Now is giving candidates a chance to weigh in on key issues, including immigration, health care and highway infrastructure.
The candidates include Republican Matt Van Epps and Democrat Aftyn Behn, along with several independent candidates: Jonathan “Jon” Thorp, Teresa Christie, Robert James Sutherby and Bobby Dodge. They are seeking to replace Rep. Mark Green, who resigned from Congress in June.
Here is the Q&A interview with Jon Thorp:
Question: Can you tell us about your qualifications to serve in Congress:
Answer: I’ve spent my life serving the American people as an Army veteran, Nashville police pilot, and air ambulance pilot. Now I’m running to bring that same accountability and service mindset to Washington, representing the people, not parties or special interests.
Q: What are your priorities with immigration, and what will it take to reach a compromise?
A: Immigration policy must uphold both the rule of law and human dignity. We must enforce existing laws fairly and consistently, or change them through Congress. Enforcement should respect constitutional rights, not resemble a military operation. Real compromise begins when all sides agree on the actual problem. We must also remember that America’s strength has always come from both law and liberty, working together to build a fair and secure nation.
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Q: On health care, are you satisfied with the current situation with health care in America, or do you see ways to improve it?
A: Americans pay more for healthcare than any nation on earth, yet too often get worse results. Our system didn’t fail by accident, it was shaped by decades of special-interest influence that put profit before patients. We can dramatically improve care and reduce costs with practical reforms that restore competition, transparency, and patient choice. But real change begins with ending the millions in lobbying dollars that keep Congress protecting industry leaders instead of the people they serve. Healthcare should serve patients, not politics.
Q: What would you do to ensure improvements are made to Interstate 24?
A: I-24 is vital to Clarksville’s families and businesses, and it deserves focused investment. While states manage day-to-day improvements, Congress controls much of the funding and oversight that make those projects possible. I’ll work to ensure federal infrastructure dollars actually reach high-need corridors like I-24 and not get lost in political earmarks or waste. That means pushing for transparent budgeting, results-based funding, and close coordination with Tennessee’s transportation officials.
Q: What other issues do you feel are most important to this race?
A: The most important issue in this race is restoring the people’s voice in government. Washington is paralyzed by partisanship because too many politicians answer to parties and donors instead of their constituents. No real problem, whether it’s the debt, border, or healthcare, will ever be solved until leaders start working together in good faith. We need honest representation that puts Tennesseans ahead of party loyalty and political theater. My goal is to help rebuild trust in government by proving that cooperation and accountability are still possible when you work for the people, not the establishment.
Other candidates
- Republican Matt Van Epps on the issues
- Democrat Aftyn Behn on the issues
- Independent Terri Christie on the issues
Early voting schedule in Montgomery County
District 7 encompasses parts of Middle and West Tennessee, with a large portion of voters residing in Montgomery County, Davidson County, and Williamson County.
Early voting will be Nov. 12-26 at the Montgomery County Election Commission, 350 Pageant Lane, Suite 404, on this schedule:
- Nov. 12, Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Nov. 13, Thursday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Nov. 14, Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Nov. 15, Saturday: 9 a.m. to noon
- Nov. 17, Monday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Nov. 18, Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Nov. 19, Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Nov. 20, Thursday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Nov. 21, Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Nov. 22, Saturday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Nov. 24, Monday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Nov. 25, Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Nov. 26, Wednesday: 8 a.m. to noon
- Nov. 27, Thursday: Closed for Thanksgiving holiday
Election Day voting will be Dec. 2. For more, go to the Montgomery County Election Commission website.