House Chairman Green supports Army veteran Van Epps for the Tennessee position

New Support for Tennessee Congressional Candidate

Speaker Mark Green, who chairs the House Homeland Security Committee, expressed his backing for Matt Van Epps as the replacement in the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday.

Van Epps is not only a decorated Army veteran but also a former commissioner for Tennessee’s Department of General Services (DGS). He kick-started his campaign to represent Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District just two days after Green announced his retirement to pursue opportunities in the private sector.

In a statement shared through Fox News Digital, Greene stated, “Matt Van Epps has my full approval,” noting their shared service in the same Army Special Operations Unit.

Key Moment for Lawmakers

Green said, “The momentum behind Matt’s campaign cannot be denied. He is a true warrior who fought for our country overseas and is prepared to advocate for our values at home.”

After receiving Green’s endorsement, Van Epps remarked he was “deeply honored” to prioritize the needs of District 7. “Rep. Green left some large shoes to fill, but I’m ready to continue his efforts for Tennessee,” he added.

Van Epps, a West Point graduate from 2005, has an extensive military background, having served nine combat tours as both an Apache and Chinook pilot.

He took on the role of DGS Commissioner in 2024 and has held positions in various Tennessee agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Transportation.

Last month, Green announced his retirement from Congress, resigning after the House’s vote on what he termed Trump’s “big beautiful bill,” which helped Republicans meet a voluntary July 4 deadline.

Green has represented Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District since 2019. His final day in Congress was reported to be July 20. Following his announcement, several Republican candidates, including Montgomery County Commissioner Jason Knight and Army veteran Jonathan Thorpe, declared their runs for the seat. On the Democratic side, State Rep. Aftyn Behn and Bo Mitchell have also entered the race.