Summary
- President Trump endorsed Matt Van Epps for Congress.
- Endorsement came four days before the 7th District primary.
- Van Epps is a West Point graduate and combat veteran.
State Representative Lee Reeves, Van Epps' primary opponent, followed Trump's example and endorsed Van Epps shortly after Trump's endorsement, halting his candidacy.
"Matt Van Epps has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Congressman from Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!"
Trump wrote in his endorsement on Truth Social on Oct. 3.
"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,"
Reeves wrote in a social media post.
"Therefore, I am suspending my campaign and will stand shoulder to shoulder with President Trump. I also endorse Matt Van Epps for Congress."
Governor Bill Lee and former U.S. Representative Mark Green, whose seat Van Epps would take if elected, has also endorsed him.
Late last year, Lee named Matt Van Epps, a West Point graduate and combat veteran, commissioner of Tennessee's General Services Department.
Van Epps has emphasized his loyalty to President Donald Trump and his experience as a combat helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army throughout his campaign. This week, Van Epps was the target of a complaint alleging that he violated U.S. Department of War regulations by improperly using his military uniform in a campaign advertisement.
"It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Patriot Matt Van Epps, who is running to represent the Great People of Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District,"
Trump wrote.
"A West Point Graduate, and Combat Decorated Army Helicopter Pilot, Matt knows the WISDOM and COURAGE required to Defend our Country, Support our Incredible Military/Veterans, and Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH. In Congress, Matt will work hard to Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion School Choice, Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment. He is strongly supported by my good friend, Congressman Jim Jordan, and many other highly respected MAGA Warriors!"
On October 7, Van Epps will compete against ten other Republicans in the GOP primary.
How will Trump's endorsement affect Van Epps's polling in the 7th District?
Trump's endorsement will boost Van Epps among still significant conservative and MAGA-aligned Republican voters in the district.
It also gives Van Epps increased name recognition and legitimacy in a field of eleven Republican candidates.
With preliminary strong local support from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and former Rep. Mark Green, that can help consolidate the establishment and grassroots support behind Van Epps, as well.
The studies of previous elections indicated that endorsements can often backfire and create a backlash, triggering Democratic turnout and independent voters to rally against endorsed candidates, which may potentially lower endorsed candidates' net margins even further.