Matt Van Epps

Matt Van Epps (Republican Party) is a member of the U.S. House representing Tennessee's 7th Congressional District, having assumed office on December 4, 2025 [1]. He was elected in a special election to fill the seat vacated by Mark Green, who resigned in July 2025 [5]. Van Epps won the Republican primary on October 7, 2025, with 51.6% of the vote, defeating ten other candidates in a crowded field [5]. He then defeated Democratic nominee Aftyn Behn in the general special election on December 2, 2025, receiving 53.9% of the vote [1]. Van Epps is currently seeking re-election to a full term in the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1].

Born Matthew Robert Van Epps on March 29, 1983, in Ohio, he graduated from Mentor High School before attending the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science and mechanical engineering in 2005 [1][5]. He served as an aviation officer in the U.S. Army for ten years on active duty and currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Tennessee Army National Guard, serving with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) since 2015 [5]. His military awards include the Air Medal, Bronze Star, and Meritorious Service Medal [5].

Before his congressional service, Van Epps earned a master's degree in public administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill [1]. He worked for the State of Tennessee and served as the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services from September 2024 until his resignation on June 10, 2025, to run for Congress [5]. His professional experience also includes serving as a senior vice president for Main Street Health and founding the consulting firm Darkhorse Strategy, LLC [1].

In Congress, Van Epps has been assigned to committees during the 2025-2026 term [1]. Legislative activities include introducing bills with Senator Marsha Blackburn to ensure National Guard members receive federal benefits and legislation to strengthen congressional oversight of U.S. partnerships with non-NATO allies [2]. He received an endorsement from President Donald Trump during the special election cycle, who described him as a "MAGA warrior" and "combat-decorated Army helicopter pilot" [5]. Van Epps resides in Tennessee with his wife, Meg Wrather, whom he married in 2023; they have one child [5].

Sources

• [1] Matt Van Epps - Ballotpedia
• [2] Congressman Matt Van Epps | Representing Tennessee's 7th District
• [3] Candidate Lists | Tennessee Secretary of State
• [4] 2026 United States House of Representatives elections in Tennessee - Wikipedia
• [5] Matt Van Epps - Wikipedia
• [6] Republican Matt Van Epps holds deep-red House district in Tennessee special election
• [9] Tennessee’s special House election sets stage for affordability focused 2026 midterms | MPR News
• [11] Republican Matt Van Epps wins Tennessee special election for House seat | Fox News
• [12] Matt Van Epps holds off Democratic upset in Tennessee special election
• [14] Matt Van Epps defeats Aftyn Behn in Tennessee's 7th District - Nashville Banner
• [15] Republican Matt Van Epps wins Tennessee special election
• [17] Trump-backed Republican Matt Van Epps wins US House special election in Tennessee
• [18] Republican Matt Van Epps projected winner in closely watched Tennessee special election for House seat - ABC News
• [19] Republicans win Tennessee election despite Democratic fightback
• [20] In tight Tennessee congressional race, Republican Matt Van Epps pulls out victory • Tennessee Lookout

Public filings

Candidates and officeholders are required by law to file campaign finance reports and statements of economic interest. The sites below don't support direct links to an individual record — search by last name on each.

Tennessee — campaign finance

• State offices (Governor, US Senate, US Rep, TN Senate, TN House, State Executive Committee) — Tennessee Registry of Election Finance. Click Search for Candidates and PACs, enter last name “Epps”, and submit.
• Shelby County and municipal offices (County Mayor, Commissioner, Sheriff, School Board, court clerks, municipal alderman, etc.) — Shelby County Public Campaign Finance Portal. Select the election year and search by candidate name (“Epps”).

Tennessee — statement of interest

• Required for state and local officials and candidates — Tennessee Ethics Commission Conflict of Interest Search. Enter last name “Epps”and, if needed, select the applicable position.

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