President Donald Trump’s influential political support within the Republican Party was clearly demonstrated on Tuesday as a candidate he endorsed in late September won a closely contested GOP primary for a vacant congressional seat in Tennessee. Matt Van Epps, a former commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services, came out on top in an 11-candidate race for the 7th Congressional District, a solidly red district that stretches from central to western Tennessee and reaches into Kentucky and Alabama. This victory has positioned Van Epps as the likely favorite for the November general election, where Democratic candidates will seek to challenge his stance on key issues, including defense, military support, and national security.
The race for the vacant seat was notable for its intensity and the significant involvement of Trump’s political network. Trump, who endorsed Van Epps last week, appeared to be a decisive factor in the outcome of the primary, even though his endorsement came after the end of early voting. This late-arriving support led to several candidates, including state Rep. Lee Reeves, to suspend their campaigns and rally behind Van Epps. Trump emphasized the importance of Van Epps’s character and background, highlighting his experience as a former Army helicopter pilot and a National Guard lieutenant colonel, which aligns with his broader support for military veterans and national security issues.
The primary battle also saw the active involvement of various political factions within the Republican Party. State Rep. Jody Barrett, who is known for being the most conservative state representative in Tennessee, received support from the House Freedom Caucus, a politically influential group within the GOP. Barrett’s campaign was marked by a strong emphasis on his conservative credentials and his opposition to the policies of the Biden administration. However, the endorsement from Trump appeared to shift the momentum in favor of Van Epps, making it likely that he will face the Democrats in the general election.
Van Epps’s victory also highlights the ongoing challenges for the Republican Party, which currently holds a narrow majority in the House of Representatives. The party has two vacancies in its ranks, including the one in Tennessee, following the resignation of former Rep. Mark Green in June to take a private sector job. The contest to fill these open seats has become a focal point for both parties, as the results can have a significant impact on the balance of power in Congress. The outcome of the Tennessee primary, which is in a district that Trump carried by about 20 points in the 2024 presidential race, further underscores the importance of the president’s political influence within the GOP.
Other key Democratic candidates in the race included state Rep. Vincent Dixie, a long-time supporter of progressive policies, and businessman Darden Copeland, a former radio host and political commentator. The presence of these candidates has led to a highly competitive race, with both parties vying for the support of voters in a district that has historically leaned Republican.
The outcome of the Tennessee primary also has implications for the broader 2024 election landscape. The race to replace Mark Green is not only a test of the Republican Party’s ability to maintain its majority in the House but also serves as a microcosm of the larger political battles shaping the electoral map. With the 2024 presidential election just months away, the results of these special elections can provide valuable insights into the strength of the major parties and the potential for shifting voter support in key districts.