A dozen people are running for the Tennessee Primary Special Election on October 7th, including President Trump’s nominee, Matt Van Epps.
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WASHINGTON – A dozen candidates are running in the Tennessee special election primary on October 7th to fill the vacant U.S. House seat by former Republican Rep. Mark Green, who resigned from Congress in July.
Republican and Democrat voters from Davidson, Williamson, parts of Montgomery and 11 other counties are heading to the polling station to select a replacement for the 7th House district in the Nashville area. Green, who was considered a safe seat for the Republican Party, was re-electioned in November last year with nearly 60% of the vote, making it his fourth term.
President Donald Trump supported Matt Van Epps in the busy Republican primary last week, calling former state officials “MAGA warriors.” Those who win the Republican and Democrat primary will advance to the general election on December 2nd.
The poll is expected to close at 7pm Central Time on October 7th, according to the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website.
Tennessee election winners are crucial to the ability of Republicans and House Speaker Mike Johnson to lead Congress. Republicans currently hold a close majority in the House of Representatives, 219-214. Assuming that all Democrats are opposed, as all lawmakers are present, Johnson is only allowed to lose two Republican votes on any bill at this time.
Here’s what you need to know about the Primary Special Election:
Who is running for the Tennessee Special Election primary?
Nine Republicans are running for the special primary election after Tennessee Rep. Lee Reeves and businessman Stuart Cooper canceled campaigns last week following Trump’s support for Van Epps.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee appointed Van Epps as state general services director late last year. He previously served as the top coronavirus control coronavirus in Tennessee.
Van Epps has campaigned mainly on serving as a US Army helicopter combat pilot and supporting Trump. Local veterans filed a complaint with the Tennessee National Guard against Van Epps, alleging that military uniforms were inappropriately used in election ads in violation of Department of Defense rules.
Other Republicans running for the race include Tennessee Rep. Jody Barrett, state Rep. Gino Barso, former high school teacher and veteran Adolf Agbeko Duggan, Mason Foley, Montgomery County Commissioner Jason Knight, retired Marine Joe Lures and former state Senate investigation analyst Torres Whittam.
On the Democrats, Tennessee Rep. Aftin Alyssa Bain, state Rep. Vincent Dixie, businessman Darden Copeland and state Rep. Beau Mitchell are running for the party’s nominations for the general election, where the seats are contested.
