Matt Van Epps

Matthew Robert Van Epps is an American politician and former Army officer currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Tennessee's 7th congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, he was elected in a special election held in December 2025. Van Epps has a background in military service and public administration, having previously held a position as the commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services. His tenure in the U.S. House began on December 4, 2025, and he is expected to serve until January 3, 2027.

Early life and career

Matthew Robert Van Epps was born on March 29, 1983. He grew up in Mentor, Ohio, where he attended Mentor High School. During his time in high school, he was actively involved in sports, playing baseball and football, and was recognized for his academic achievements as a member of the National Honor Society. Following his graduation, Van Epps pursued a military career, enrolling in the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in 2005 and was commissioned as an aviation officer in the U.S. Army.

Van Epps served on active duty for a decade, during which he achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Tennessee Army National Guard. His military service was distinguished, earning him several accolades, including the Air Medal with "V" device, the Bronze Star, and the Meritorious Service Medal. After concluding his active duty, he continued his education, obtaining a master's degree in public administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

In 2024, Van Epps transitioned to a political career when he was appointed as the commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services by Governor Bill Lee. He held this position until 2025, when he resigned to pursue a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

House tenure

Van Epps entered the political arena more prominently when he announced his candidacy for Tennessee's 7th congressional district in June 2025, following the resignation of the incumbent representative, Mark Green. His campaign quickly gained traction, receiving endorsements from both Green and Governor Lee. The 7th district is recognized as a solid Republican stronghold, covering significant areas of Middle Tennessee, including Clarksville, parts of Nashville, and western Williamson County.

In the lead-up to the special election, Van Epps garnered further support when former President Donald Trump endorsed his candidacy, describing him as a "MAGA warrior" and a "combat-decorated Army helicopter pilot." This endorsement significantly influenced the dynamics of the Republican primary, which initially featured eleven candidates. Following Trump's announcement, one of the frontrunners, state representative Lee Reeves, suspended his campaign and endorsed Van Epps.

On October 7, 2025, Van Epps won the Republican primary with a majority of the votes cast. He subsequently faced Democratic nominee Aftyn Behn in the special election held on December 2, 2025, where he secured victory with a majority of the popular vote. Van Epps was sworn into office on December 4, 2025, marking the beginning of his congressional career.

Legislative focus and committees

Since taking office, Van Epps has engaged in various legislative activities. He voted in favor of the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025 shortly after being sworn in, which passed with overwhelming support in the House. This act aims to extend federal payments to rural counties, assisting in funding for schools, roads, and local services.

As a member of the House of Representatives, Van Epps serves on several committees, including the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. He is also a member of the Republican Study Committee, which focuses on conservative policy initiatives.

Van Epps identifies as a fiscal hawk and aligns his political platform with the "America First" agenda. During his campaign, he expressed support for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a reconciliation package aimed at extending tax cuts from previous legislation, implementing welfare reforms, and increasing funding for border security.

In terms of national security and immigration, Van Epps advocates for a "Peace Through Strength" foreign policy, emphasizing the need for a robust defense budget. He supports the completion of the U.S.–Mexico border wall and has called for the deportation of undocumented immigrants with criminal records.

Van Epps has also voiced concerns regarding "woke" ideologies within the federal bureaucracy and military, advocating for broad deregulation to stimulate small business growth and a reduction in the size of the federal workforce. In education, he supports school choice initiatives that allow education funding to follow students to private or charter schools.

On healthcare, Van Epps has proposed reforms aimed at reducing prescription drug costs through increased market competition. He emphasizes the importance of state-level reforms to Medicaid to enhance program efficiency and has expressed a commitment to providing "world-class care" for military veterans. He believes that market-driven solutions and reducing federal bureaucracy are essential for improving healthcare access and affordability.

As a proponent of Second Amendment rights, Van Epps opposes federal measures aimed at imposing stricter gun control.

In his personal life, Van Epps resides in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Meg, and their daughter. He identifies as a Christian. As of 2026, he is seeking re-election to secure a full term in the U.S. House of Representatives.