Trump-endorsed candidate wins special House GOP primary in Tennessee

Matt Van Epps, a former Tennessee General Services commissioner who notched a last-minute endorsement from President Trump, won the GOP primary contest for former Rep. Mark Green’s (R-Tenn.) seat, according to a Decision Desk HQ projection. 

Van Epps beat a crowded field of challengers for the Republican nod, including: state Rep. Jody Barrett; state Rep. Gino Bulso; businessowner 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 an endorsement for Van Epps last week, saying “A West Point Graduate, and Combat Decorated Army Helicopter Pilot, Matt knows the WISDOM and COURAGE required to Defend our Country.” 

Van Epps also enjoyed endorsements from a number of other influential Republicans, including Green, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Club for Growth President David McIntosh.  

Several candidates who were running for the seat and later dropped out also endorsed him. 

Green’s seat went for Trump by 22 points in November, meaning Van Epps is the heavy favorite to beat the Democratic candidate and win the Dec. 2 special election.