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 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 his endorsement statement.
Van Epps, who was also endorsed by Green and Republican Gov. Bill Lee, called Trump's support "an incredible honor."
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. (J. Scott Applewhite, File/AP Photo)
Van Epps, a lieutenant colonel in the Tennessee Army National Guard and a former Army helicopter pilot, was also backed by prominent House Republican Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio.
But Barrett, who touted that he is the "most conservative state rep. in Tennessee history," had the support 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. (George Walker IV/AP Photo)
Four major Democrats were running for their party's nomination. They were state Reps. Vincent Dixie, Aftyn Behn, Bo Mitchell and businessman Darden Copeland.
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Republicans currently control the House 219-213, with two vacancies: the seat in Tennessee and Texas 18th Congressional District, following the death earlier this year of Democratic Rep. Sylvester Turner.
Democratic Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, who won a special congressional election in Arizona last month, has yet to be sworn in.
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-backed-candidate-wins-crowded-gop-primary-battle-vacant-house-seat