Retiring U.S. Representative Mark Green, a prominent conservative figure in Tennessee, has officially endorsed Matt Van Epps, a decorated Army veteran and former Tennessee Department of General Services commissioner, for the 7th congressional district seat. The endorsement comes just days after Green announced his retirement from Congress to pursue a private-sector career, following the passage of Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill,’ which Republicans successfully passed by their self-imposed July 4 deadline. Van Epps, who launched his campaign shortly after Green’s retirement announcement, brings a strong military and public service background to the race.
Green, who served alongside Van Epps in the same Army special operations unit, highlighted their shared history as a key factor in his endorsement. ‘Matt Van Epps has my complete and total endorsement,’ Green stated in a press release with Fox News Digital. ‘The momentum behind Matt’s campaign is undeniable. Matt is a true warrior who has fought for our country abroad and is ready to fight for our values here at home.’ Green emphasized that their bond in the military, specifically within the same unit, is a unique connection that he believes will resonate with voters in the district.
Van Epps, a West Point graduate and former military pilot, has a diverse background in both service and public administration. He served nine combat tours as an Apache pilot for the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade and as a Chinook pilot for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the Night Stalkers. After his military service, he was appointed commissioner of Tennessee’s Department of General Services in 2024, where he has since worked to streamline state services and improve public infrastructure. His experience with state agencies, including the Department of Veteran Services and the Department of Transportation, has positioned him as a candidate with a deep understanding of both military and civilian affairs.
The endorsement marks a significant shift in the race for the 7th district, as several Republican candidates have already announced their campaigns. Montgomery County Commissioner Jason Knight, U.S. Army veteran Jonathan Thorp, Mason Foley of Main Street Health, and state Reps. Jay Reedy, Lee Reeves, and Jody Barrett have all entered the race, adding to the competitive landscape. Meanwhile, the Democratic candidates, including state Reps. Aftyn Behn and Bo Mitchell, have also launched their campaigns, according to recent reporting from Tennessee Lookout. This growing field of candidates reflects the high stakes of the election, which will determine the direction of congressional representation in one of Tennessee’s key districts.
Green’s retirement from Congress, announced last month, will officially take effect on July 20, following the House vote on Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill.’ His last day in office was confirmed by Fox News, which was the first to report the date. With his decision to retire, the 7th district now looks to new leaders to shape its political future. Van Epps, who has expressed his readiness to ‘put the people of the 7th District first,’ is seen as a strong contender in the race, particularly among Republican voters who value military service and a strong stance on national security and conservative values.