Rep. Mark Green Endorses Army Vet Matt Van Epps in Tennessee GOP Race
Sarah Johnson
July 14, 2025
Brief
Retiring Rep. Mark Green endorses Army veteran Matt Van Epps to succeed him in Tennessee's 7th District, sparking a heated GOP race.
In a significant move for Tennessee's political landscape, retiring Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn., has thrown his full support behind Matt Van Epps as his potential successor in the U.S. House of Representatives for the 7th congressional district. Green, who has chaired the House Homeland Security Committee, announced his retirement to transition to the private sector, and now, with his endorsement, he’s paving the way for a fellow Army veteran to take the reins.
A Bond Forged in Service
Green’s backing of Van Epps isn’t just political—it’s personal. Having served together in the same elite Army special operations unit, Green described their connection as a 'brotherhood' unlike any other. 'Matt Van Epps has my complete and total endorsement,' Green stated, emphasizing Van Epps’ readiness to 'fight for our values here at home' after battling for the country abroad.
Who is Matt Van Epps?
A decorated warrior, Van Epps graduated from West Point in 2005 and completed nine combat tours as an Apache and Chinook pilot with units like the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the Night Stalkers. Beyond the battlefield, he’s served Tennessee in roles such as the commissioner of the Department of General Services and worked across state agencies. Van Epps expressed deep honor at receiving Green’s endorsement, vowing to prioritize the people of the 7th District and continue Green’s legacy.
A Crowded GOP Field
Van Epps isn’t the only contender in this Republican stronghold. Other GOP candidates, including Montgomery County Commissioner Jason Knight, U.S. Army veteran Jonathan Thorp, and several state representatives, have entered the race. On the Democratic side, state Reps. Aftyn Behn and Bo Mitchell are vying for their party’s nomination. With Green’s last day in Congress set for July 20, the race to fill his seat is heating up fast.
This endorsement signals not just a passing of the torch but a call to maintain the fierce dedication Green brought to his role. As the campaign unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Van Epps can harness this momentum to secure the seat.
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Editor's Comments
Well, folks, Rep. Mark Green is handing over the keys to his congressional castle to Matt Van Epps, and it’s like watching a general pass the sword to his trusted lieutenant. With nine combat tours under his belt, Van Epps might just treat Capitol Hill like his next battlefield—let’s hope he doesn’t mistake the House floor for a helipad! But seriously, in a crowded GOP race, Green’s endorsement is the political equivalent of a five-star Yelp review. Will Van Epps soar like his Chinook days, or will the other candidates ground him? Stay tuned for this Tennessee showdown!
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