Matt Van Epps, a former Tennessee general services commissioner who notched a last-minute endorsement from President Trump, is projected to win the GOP contest for former Rep. Mark Green’s (R-Tenn.) seat, according to Decision Desk HQ.
Van Epps beat a crowded field of challengers for the Republican nod, including: state Rep. Jody Barrett; state Rep. Gino Bulso; businessman Adolph Agbéko Dagan; Mason Foley, a former legislative correspondent for Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.); Montgomery County Commissioner Jason Knight; retired undercover detective Joseph Leurs; Stewart Parks, a realtor who also received a pardon from Trump in the aftermath of the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol attack; and former congressional candidate Tres Wittum.
Trump announced a late endorsement for Van Epps last week, saying in a statement at the time that “A West Point Graduate, and Combat Decorated Army Helicopter Pilot, Matt knows the WISDOM and COURAGE required to Defend our Country.”
But Van Epps also enjoyed endorsements from a number of other influential Republicans, including Green, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) and Club for Growth President David McIntosh.
Several candidates who were running for the seat and later dropped out also endorsed the former Tennessee General Services Commissioner.
Green’s seat went for Trump in November by 22 points, meaning whoever wins the GOP primary on Tuesday is the heavy favorite to win the special election on Dec. 2.
, 2025-10-08 00:56:00, 
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