President Donald Trump gestures as he boards Air Force One with first lady Melania Trump at Naval Station Norfolk Chambers Field in Norfolk, Va., Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. (Alex Brandon/AP Photo)
The president's endorsement, even though it came after the finish of early voting in the contest, will likely be the major shaping event of the primary showdown.
The race among the major GOP contenders turned into a test of loyalty to Trump, and with the president's endorsement, Reeves suspended his campaign and backed Van Epps.
TRUMP FRONT-AND-CENTER IN THESE 2025 ELECTION SHOWDOWNS
"Matt knows the WISDOM and COURAGE required to Defend our Country, Support our Incredible Military/Veterans, and Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH," Trump said in a statement.
A special election is being held in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District to fill the seat left vacant when Republican Rep. Mark Green resigned from the U.S. House in June to take a job in the private sector. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
Van Epps, a lieutenant colonel in the Tennessee Army National Guard and a former Army helicopter pilot, is also backed by prominent House Republican Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio.
But Barrett, who touts that he is the "most conservative state rep. in Tennessee history," has the backing of the political arm of the House Freedom Caucus, which spent heavily in the primary race.
State Rep. Jody Barrett, a Republican candidate in Tennesseee's special election campaign in the state's 7th Congressional District, speaks during a political forum Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Four major Democrats are running for their party's nomination. They are state Reps. Vincent Dixie, Aftyn Behn, Bo Mitchell and businessman Darden Copeland.
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The winners of Tuesday's primaries will face off in a Dec. 2 general election.
Paul Steinhauser is a politics reporter based in the swing state of New Hampshire. He covers the campaign trail from coast to coast."
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-looms-large-over-special-election-primary-deep-red-congressional-district