Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has decided to weigh in on the GOP primary for the 7th congressional district seat vacated by former Congressman Mark Green. Lee’s endorsement of Matt Van Epps comes just one week ahead of the October 7 primary date.
“Matt Van Epps is the conservative, America First fighter we need representing Tennessee…In his time as Commissioner, he worked to cut red tape, increase accountability, and drive government efficiency,” Lee said in a statement announcing the endorsement. “He will stand fully with President Trump, bringing that same results-driven leadership to Congress to defend our conservative values, and fight back against the liberal policies that threaten our way of life.”
“My friend Matt Van Epps has my complete and total endorsement, and I look forward to calling him my Congressman. I’ll be casting my vote for Matt, and I encourage all conservatives to join me in doing the same on October 7th,” Lee added.
Van Epps responded to Lee’s endorsement by saying he was “deeply honored”.
Lee adds his name to a list of high-profile endorsements for Van Epps, including retired U.S. Rep. Mark Green and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH-04).
Van Epps graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point as a commissioned officer and served nine combat deployments, including eight deployments as a Night Stalker helicopter pilot with Clarksville’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment – the same special operations unit former U.S. Rep. Green served in. He continues to serve in the Tennessee Army National Guard after 10 years of Active Duty service.
Van Epps held multiple roles in Lee’s administration, including deputy chief operating officer in the Governor’s Office, assistant director of procurement and contracts with the Tennessee Department of Transportation, assistant commissioner with the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services, and most recently as Department of General Services commissioner.
He also served as the “Covid Czar” for the Lee Administration during the COVID pandemic, which has become a key issue in the campaign.
Steve Gill is Publisher and editor of TriStar Daily.
