CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Matt Van Epps has won the Republican Primary to represent Tennessee District 7 in Congress, moving on to face Democrat Aftyn Behn in the general election in December.
“From Clarksville to Waynesboro, from Perry County to Cheatham County, I’ve met people who love this country, who work hard, who belive in faith, family and freedom, and who are ready to fight for the future of America,” Van Epps said in a speech at his watch party at Shelby’s Trio in Clarksville Tuesday night. “This campaign was built by the people, for the people – farmers, veterans, small-business owners, parents, patriots, all united to one goal, to get our country back on track.”
This was the Special Election Primary for the Republican nomination to replace former U.S. Rep. Mark Green, who resigned from his position in Congress in June.
Van Epps was endorsed by President Donald Trump, Gov. Bill Lee, Green and U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan. During the primary campaign, Van Epps leaned into his military experience, including as a Tennessee Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and as an Army Special Operations helicopter pilot. Van Epps worked for the Lee administration as Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services.
Van Epps said his campaign has never been about one person. “It’s about we the people. I’ve heard your stories: the small business owner crushed by high costs, the farmer who worried about the next generation, the mom and dad fighting to protect their kids’ future. Those are the voices I’m fighting for every single day, and those voices drive me to fight even harder.
“Tonight is not the finish line,” Van Epps said. “It’s halftime. The work isn’t over. We must unite as a party to win on Dec. 2 and keep this seat red.”
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| MORE: Full Congressional Primary results
The other Republican candidates on the ballot were:
- 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.
- Tres Wittum: Former Tennessee Senate staff member.
What’s next
The winning Republican and Democrat will face each other, along with four independent candidates, in the Dec. 2 general election. For that election, voters must register by Nov. 3. Early voting will be Nov. 12-26.
Christian Brown and Wesley Irvin contributed to this report.