CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – State Rep. Jay Reedy of Houston County, who has been discussed as a main contender to replace Rep. Mark Green in Congress, said Tuesday he won’t be running for the position.

Reedy, a Republican whose District 74 used to include western Montgomery County, made the announcement the day after Green formally endorsed candidate Matt Van Epps.

“Over the past weeks I have heard from so many of our community leaders asking me to consider a run for Congress in the upcoming special election,” Reedy said. “I have explored these options speaking to family and supporters across the district. Though I have been humbled by those who have asked me to run and those who have pledged support, at this time I feel God has placed me in the Tennessee State House and the job is not yet finished. In the name of conservative leadership, we have much work to finish. I look forward to continuing to serve the people of District 74.”

Reedy said he’s been privileged to work on legislation to ban sanctuary cities, repeal the Hall Income Tax, and stop foreign adversaries from buying Tennessee farmland. “Tennessee leads our nation as a model for achievement under conservative leadership,” he said.

Green endorses Van Epps

On Monday, Green put his support behind Matt Van Epps of Nashville, the former commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services.

“I see in Matt Van Epps the same spirit of duty, honor and country that was instilled in me at West Point and sharpened with the Night Stalkers. Matt is a decorated combat veteran, a relentless fighter, a principled conservative, and exactly the kind of leader the 7th District wants as its voice in Washington. Matt Van Epps has my complete and total endorsement. The momentum behind Matt’s campaign is undeniable. Matt Van Epps is the right choice for Congress, and I’m proud to stand with him.”

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.

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 Montgomery 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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