President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Matt Van Epps in the Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District GOP primary has intensified the race, with the president’s influence being a key factor in shaping the outcome. Van Epps, a former state commissioner and National Guardsman, faces competition from state Reps. Jody Barrett, Gino Bulso, and Lee Reeves, while Trump’s support is expected to sway many candidates.
The primary election comes after Trump late last week endorsed Van Epps, who was also backed by former congressman Mark Green and Republican Governor Bill Lee. The president’s endorsement, which came after the finish of early voting, is expected to be the major shaping event of the primary showdown. The race among the major GOP contenders has turned into a test of loyalty to Trump, and with the president’s endorsement, Reeves suspended his campaign and backed Van Epps.
Trump carried the district, which is located in central and western Tennessee and stretches from Kentucky to Alabama, by roughly 20 points in last year’s presidential election. Van Epps, who was also endorsed by Green and Republican Governor Bill Lee, called Trump’s support “an incredible honor.” The president joined Van Epps for a tele-rally co-hosted by the politically influential conservative outside group Club for Growth, which also backed Van Epps.
The winners of Tuesday’s primaries will face off in a Dec. 2 general election. Meanwhile, the four major Democrats running for their party’s nomination are state Reps. Vincent Dixie, Aftyn Behn, Bo Mitchell, and businessman Darden Copeland. The outcome of Tuesday’s primary is expected to be a significant factor in the upcoming general election, with the district being a key battleground for the GOP, where Trump’s influence continues to be felt.