A double whammy of endorsements has rocked Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District Republican Special Election Primary heading into the weekend before Election Day. First, President Trump announced his blockbuster endorsement of Matt Vance on his Truth Social account.
Then, almost immediately after, State Representative Lee Reeves announced that he would stand with President Trump, suspended his campaign, and endorsed Van Epps, as well.
“This summer I entered the special election for Congress because I fully support President Trump and his America First conservative agenda,” Reeves announced. “With Donald J. Trump as both the President of the United States and the leader of the Republican Party, many conservative goals have been achieved that were once only dreams. A conservative Supreme Court that overturned Roe v. Wade. A secure southern border. Deportations of countless violent criminals and drug dealers. The elimination of Iran’s nuclear threat. The ending of federal funding for NPR, PBS, and Planned Parenthood. The dismantling of Woke DEI initiatives that undermine merit and the American Dream. Even school choice in Tennessee this year.”
“President Trump has not only restored respect to our nation around the world, he’s restored pride in our country at home. He is making America great again and leading us into a Golden Age without precedent.”
“Throughout the campaign, I consistently told voters that President Trump is our quarterback — he calls the plays, and I would be a reliable teammate to make sure as much of his America First agenda as possible is accomplished and codified into federal law before the November 2026 midterm elections.”
Today, the President called a play I did not expect. He endorsed Matt Van Epps and gave him his complete and total endorsement to be the next Congressman for Tennessee’s 7th District.”
“The words I said on the campaign trail were not hollow. I meant them. I support our President, and if this is the call he has made, I will back him up.”
“Therefore, I am suspending my campaign and will stand shoulder to shoulder with President Trump. I also endorse Matt Van Epps for Congress.”
“I have gotten to know Matt at events across the 14 counties of the 7th District. He is a good man who served our nation with honor and distinction in the U.S. Army. He went into harm’s way to defend our freedom and all that we hold dear as Americans. If he cares as much for the voters of the 7th District as he did for the soldiers serving alongside him and under his command, we will be well served by him as our Congressman.”
“I appreciate everyone who has supported me — those who already cast a vote for me, donated to the campaign, made phone calls, or put up a yard sign. You are all great, and you have made this a meaningful experience.”
“I am grateful to my wife, Claire, and our three children. Their love and support mean the world to me. I could not have run for this office — or for State House — without them in my corner. They make it all worthwhile. Without them, I could do nothing, nor would I try.”
“Proverbs 16:9 tells us: “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” As a Christian, I trust God and know His hand is in everything, even when I don’t understand it. I ask you to do the same.”
“If you were supporting me and have not yet voted, I encourage you to cast your vote on Tuesday, October 7th, in the Republican Primary for Matt Van Epps. He has President Trump’s support and he has mine. I hope he now has yours.”
The primary election date is Tuesday, Oct. 7.
Steve Gill is editor and publisher of TriStar Daily.
