Rep. Mark Green backs Army veteran Matt Van Epps to succeed him in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District.

Green Passes Torch to Fellow Army Veteran

House Homeland Security Committee Chair Rep. Mark Green, Republican of Tennessee, has officially endorsed Matt Van Epps, a decorated Army veteran, to succeed him in representing Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. Green, who announced his retirement last month to pursue opportunities in the private sector, made his endorsement public just days before his last day in Congress, which is set for July 20.

Van Epps, who launched his campaign for the seat two days after Green’s retirement announcement, is the former commissioner of Tennessee’s Department of General Services and a graduate of West Point. His military career includes nine combat tours as both an Apache and Chinook pilot, including service with the renowned 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment—the Night Stalkers. Green and Van Epps served together in the same Army special operations unit, a bond Green described as “a brotherhood that cannot be replicated anywhere else.”

“Matt Van Epps has my complete and total endorsement,” Green said in a statement, highlighting the momentum behind Van Epps’s campaign and his readiness to fight for Tennessee values in Congress. “Matt is a true warrior who has fought for our country abroad and is ready to fight for our values here at home.”

Van Epps expressed gratitude for the endorsement, calling it a deep honor. “Congressman Green has left some very large shoes to fill, but I’m ready to step in and continue his work on behalf of Tennesseans,” Van Epps said, pledging to put the people of the district first.

Competitive Field Emerges for Open Seat

As Green’s retirement takes effect, the race for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District is attracting a diverse slate of candidates. Several Republicans have entered the primary, including Montgomery County Commissioner Jason Knight, U.S. Army veteran Jonathan Thorp, Mason Foley of Main Street Health, and state Representatives Jay Reedy, Lee Reeves, and Jody Barrett. Fox News Digital reached out to the candidates for comment on the endorsement, signaling the contest’s growing significance in state politics.

On the Democratic side, state Representatives Aftyn Behn and Bo Mitchell have announced their bids for the nomination, according to Tennessee Lookout. The open seat is expected to draw further attention as candidates position themselves ahead of the primary contests.

Green has served Tennessee’s 7th District since 2019, building a reputation as a national security advocate and key ally in Republican legislative efforts. His departure marks a transition point for the district and for Tennessee’s congressional delegation. With Van Epps and other hopefuls launching campaigns, the race is set to become a closely watched battle reflecting both military service and political experience as credentials for office.

As the July 20 transition approaches, the eyes of local voters and national observers alike will be on Tennessee’s 7th District to see who will ultimately earn the mandate to represent its residents in Washington.