NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – State Senator Mark Green (R) formally announced his candidacy to represent the 7th District of Tennessee in the U.S. Congress Thursday.

Green will appear on the August 2, 2018 GOP primary ballot to serve as the Republican nominee for the 7th congressional district.

“Stunningly, Tennesseans have witnessed no results from Congress on the 278th day of 2017 after years of promises to repeal Obamacare, lower taxes, secure our borders and end illegal immigration, and restore our military to confront the challenges of this century like Iran,” Green said in a press release. “When Republicans hold the majorities in Congress, it’s time to lead, not have more committee hearings and protect special interests. The time for appeasement is over.”

A resident of the 7th congressional district since 2002 when the army moved Mark and his wife Camilla to Clarksville with their two children, Alexa and Mitchell, Green recently sold his Clarksville-based healthcare company founded in 2007 that has grown to $200 million in annual revenues.

In the State Senate, he has served as lead sponsor of the Hall Income Tax elimination bill, sponsored the Teachers’ Bill of Rights and numerous veteran and small business support bills, and worked against the expansion of Obamacare by passing a health savings account pilot program.

A graduate of West Point, Green has served the nation in Iraq and Afghanistan and is the recipient of a Bronze Star and Air Medal with V device for valor under enemy fire.

Elected to the State Senate in 2012, Green was nominated earlier this year by President Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of the Army, before withdrawing due to what he calls “obstruction from Senate Democrats” in the press release. At the time, the Associated Press said Green withdrew amid criticism over his remarks about LGBT Americans and Muslims.

Following his withdrawal, he ended a bid to campaign for governor of Tennessee.

“Tennesseans living in the 7th district have grown to expect the effective, conservative representation of Congressman Marsha Blackburn. As a proven conservative fighter, I am ready to earn the trust of the voters and take my values and leadership to the United States Congress,” Green said.

First elected in 2002, Congressman Marsha Blackburn announced her campaign for United States Senate earlier Thursday.