Former Tennessee Congressman Mark Green has launched his much-anticipated new business venture, marking his official departure from his Tennessee congressional seat, effective July 20. His departure has launched a special election for the now-vacant 7th Congressional District seat as Governor Bill Lee prepares to set special election dates, expected to be on October 7 for the Primary Election, and December 2 for the General Election. Those dates remain tentative as the Governor has yet to issue an official writ of election. Green’s departure from Congress leaves Speaker Mike Johnson with an even narrower margin of control in the House.
Green has founded Promisos, LLC, which he says will provide strategic consulting and services to help businesses expand globally, and will conduct international trade in commodities. He also indicated that through its financial network, Promisos plans to help businesses and individuals find financial support /investment capital and expand profitability. He will serve as President and CEO of the newly-founded global business development firm.
Green served as the Republican Congressman for the Seventh District, which included 19 counties in middle and west Tennessee, until announcing his planned departure a few months ago. He served as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and most recently as Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security.
In 2012, he was elected to the Tennessee State Senate. During his service in the State Senate, he won the National Federation of Independent Business Guardian of Small Business award and numerous other recognitions. He also spearheaded legislation that repealed Tennessee’s tax on investment income. It was historical legislation, as only two states have ever repealed any form of an income tax.
As a graduate of West Point, Green was commissioned as an infantry officer in the US Army and served in multiple commands, including the 82nd Airborne Division. During his reserve time, he attended medical school and then served as an army physician for 24 years. As a special operations physician, Dr. Green conducted the first interview of Saddam Hussein on the night of his capture. Green had two combat tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan.
In 2010 Dr. Green created an emergency medicine management and staffing company called Align MD. In just seven years the company achieved annual revenues of over $200 million.
Several candidates have already announced their plans to run for the now vacant seat, including GOP State Reps. Jody Barrett, Lee Reeves and possibly Gino Bulso. Former Tennessee General Services Administration commissioner Matt Van Epps, who has received the endorsement of Congressman Green, is also in the running.
Democrat House members Bo Mitchell, Aftyn Behn, and Vincent Dixie have thrown their hats in the ring. Democrats are hopeful that a special election and limited voter turnout may give them an opportunity to flip the very red-leaning district in their favor.
The winner of the special election in December will have to immediately face election for a full two-year term with another primary in August and the 2026 November general election date looming just ahead.
Steve Gill is a national and international political analyst and commentator. He is Publisher of Tri-Star Daily.
