BURSTMore than a dozen candidates will be on the ballot Tuesday in Tennessee's special primary elections to replace former Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.), months after the GOP lawmaker stepped down.
Green represented voters in the Republican-leaning 7th Congressional District — a region that borders Kentucky and Alabama. He first won the district in 2018 and, in 2024, received 60 percent of the vote. The Republican lawmaker defeated challenger Megan Barry by over 20 points in November.
A crowded field of Republicans have cast their names to be Green's successor. President Trump has already thrown his support behind one candidate: Matt Van Epps.
What forced the special election?
In July, Green announced that he would resign from the House following passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" and signaled he received a new job offer.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from Congress," Green said in a statement in June. "Recently, I was offered an opportunity in the private sector that was too exciting to pass up."
"As a result, today I notified the Speaker and the House of Representatives that I will resign from Congress as soon as the House votes once again on the reconciliation package," he wrote at the time.
Along with his congressional seat, Green also vacated his position as chair of the House Homeland Security Committee.
Where is the district?
The district is made up of Benton, Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Decatur, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Montgomery, Perry, Robertson, Stewart, Wayne and Williamson counties.
Tennessee's state capital and most populous city, Nashville, is located in Davidson County. But Nashville is split between three districts as a result of redistricting in 2021.
How many candidates are running?
On the GOP side, 11 candidates are on the ballot. State Rep. Lee Reeves' name remains on the ballot, but Trump's endorsement of another candidate led Reeves to suspend his campaign.
Reeves was one of the most high-profile candidates, along with Van Epps, Tennessee's former commissioner of the Department of General Services.
Other Republicans seeking to replace Green include retired Nashville police detective Joe Leurs, Montgomery County Commissioner Jason Knight, businessman Adolph Agbéko Dagan, former state legislative staffer Tres Wittum, former Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) staffer Mason Foley, state Reps. Gino Bulso and Jody Barrett and Stewart Parks. Trump pardoned Parks after he was charged in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.
Businessman Stuart Cooper also suspended his campaign and, like Reeves, endorsed Van Epps.
Four Democrats are also running: State Reps. Aftyn Behn, Bo Mitchell and Vincent Dixie, as well as Democratic consultant Darden Copeland.
Trump endorsement
Trump threw his support behind Van Epps earlier this month, calling him a "MAGA Warrior."
"A West Point Graduate, and Combat Decorated Army Helicopter Pilot, Matt knows the WISDOM and COURAGE required to Defend our Country, Support our Incredible Military/Veterans, and Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH," he wrote on Truth Social.
"In Congress, Matt will work hard to Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion School Choice, Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment," the president added.