Updated with announcement by state Rep. Bo Mitchell.
CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Rep. Mark Green officially resigned from Congress on July 4, and has informed Gov. Bill Lee and Speaker Mike Johnson that his last day 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, according to the District 7 Republican County Party Coalition.
Green, a Republican who has represented U.S. House District 7 since 2019 and is chair of the Homeland Security Committee, announced June 9 that he is going back into the private sector. He has not disclosed the details, but he said in a July 4 farewell video that he will be starting his own company, and it is an initiative designed to help America compete against China.
“To my constituents across Tennessee’s 7th District – thank you. The trust you put in me is humbling. I will look back fondly on my years of serving as your voice in Washington.”
Green said he would resign after the House completed work on the budget, and that budget bill was signed on July 4.
Rep. Mitchell announces
The first Democrat to enter the race, state Rep. Bo Mitchell, announced his candidacy Monday afternoon. Mitchell, of Bellevue, has represented District 50 since 2012. It includes Goodlettsville, Joelton and other parts of west Davidson County. He served as Government and Military Affairs director of the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce before becoming part of Gov. Phil Bredesen’s staff.
“Now more than ever, Tennessee needs leaders in Congress who will have the courage to fight for us, not just cave to political pressure,” Mitchell said.
Rep. Barrett announces
On Monday, state Rep. Jody Barrett of Dickson added his name to the list of Republicans who will be campaigning to replace Green.
Touting himself as “the most conservative legislator in Tennessee history,” Barrett is a small-business owner who has represented District 69 since 2022. For more: Jody Barrett website.
Van Epps’ campaign grows
Also Monday, candidate Matt Van Epps announced his campaign has already raised more than $100,000 in less than three weeks.
“Across the 7th District, Tennesseans have shown their generosity and excitement for this campaign,” Van Epps said in a statement to Clarksville Now. “This momentum is proof that conservative leadership in Congress is essential. We’re just getting started.”
Who’s running so far
While more announcements are expected, here’s who has stepped up so far:
- State Rep. Jody Barrett of Dickson, Republican: Small-business owner who has represented District 69 since 2022
- Jason Knight of Clarksville, Republican: The Montgomery County commissioner and former City Council member, small business owner, military veteran.
- State Rep. Bo Mitchell of Bellevue, Democrat: Has represented District 50 since 2012.
- Jon Thorp of Springfield, Republican: Military veteran.
- Matt Van Epps of Nashville, Republican: Former commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services, military veteran.
| MORE: Who’s running so far to replace Congressman Mark Green
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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