An online video ad from House Freedom Action (HFA), tied to the conservative House Freedom Caucus, hits a Republican candidate for Congress in the 7th District for failing to take positions on abortion and trans activism.

The ad questions whether Matt Van Epps is pro-life since he makes no mention of the issue on his website. HFA has endorsed Jody Barrett in the special election to replace Mark Green and touts him in the ad as well. YouTube views of the ad alone are nearly 100,000, with views generated by texts, other social media platforms, and sharing driving the number of impressions to almost a million.

The HFA ad uses images linking Van Epps to Dr. Anthony Fauci, who was the primary advocate of extreme responses and nationwide shutdowns during the COVID pandemic. Van Epps was Governor Bill Lee’s “Covid Czar” who oversaw school and church closures during the pandemic. HFA launched a website specifically targeting Van Epps for his actions during COVID. 

Transcript of ad:

“Is Matt Van Epps pro-abortion? His website is silent, and Tennessee Right to Life won’t support him. And why won’t Van Epps speak out against the radical trans agenda?

Van Epps locked down our state as Tennessee’s Fauci and stopped unvaxxed guardsmen from doing their jobs.

Jody Barrett’s your 100% conservative champion. Defending our values and always putting taxpayers first. Jody Barrett for Congress.”

The tagline notes that HFA is responsible for the contents of the ad.

Although there have been few public polls circulated regarding the GOP primary battle, it is likely that the PACs dumping millions of dollars into the race have conducted their own polls in order to develop the issues they are emphasizing. There is no report of Tennessee Right to Life being engaged in or endorsing any particular candidate in the race.

Early voting in the primary ends Thursday with primary Election Day on Oct. 7.

Steve Gill is editor and Publisher of TriStar Daily.