Republicans enter race for Mark Green seat in Congress

Two Republicans are launching bids to replace Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.), who announced earlier this week he would be leaving Congress for an opportunity in the private sector.

Matt Van Epps, who serves as commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services, and Montgomery County Commissioner Jason Knight have both announced campaigns for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, which includes parts of Nashville.

“I’m running for Congress in TN-7 to support President Trump and fight for the America First agenda. Combat vet. Conservative leader. Proven servant. It’s time to secure the border, protect our values, and put Tennessee first,” Van Epps said in a post on X on Wednesday.

“Throughout my entire career, I have consistently proven myself to be a principled conservative and a problem solver who delivers,” Knight said in a statement posted on the social platform X announcing his candidacy.

“In Congress, I will listen, lead, and deliver conservative results that make America and Tennessee safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”

Green announced Monday that he would leave Congress after the House votes again on President Trump’s megabill. The legislation is now in the Senate’s hands for consideration.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from Congress,” Green said in a statement. “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.”

Green represents Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, which includes part of Nashville, and has served in the House since 2019. He handily beat his Democratic challenger, Megan Barry, by more than 20 points in November.

The Tennessee Republican announced in last year that he was planning to retire after his term after former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas was impeached, but he later reversed course after Trump and others asked him to reconsider.

A special election has not yet been set for Green’s seat.