Tennessee General Services Commissioner Matt Van Eps, who saw a last-minute endorsement from President Trump, is projected to win the GOP contest for former Rep. Mark Green’s (R-Tenn.) seat, according to Decision Desk Headquarters.
Van Eps defeated a crowded field of challengers for the Republican nod, including: State Representative Jody Barrett; State representative. Gino Bulloso; businessman Adolph Agbéko Dagan; Mason Foley, a former legislative correspondent for Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.); Montgomery County Commissioner Jason Knight; retired undercover detective Joseph Lears; Stewart Parks, a realtor who received a pardon from Trump after the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack; and former congressional candidate Trace Wittum.
Trump announced a late endorsement for Van Epps last week, saying in a statement at the time that “A West Point graduate, and decorated Army combat helicopter pilot, Matt knows the knowledge and courage required to defend our country.”
But Van Eps also enjoyed the support of several other influential Republicans, including Greene, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) and Club for Growth President David McIntosh.
Several candidates who ran for the seat and later dropped out endorsed the former Tennessee General Services Commissioner.
Greene’s seat went to Trump by 22 points in November, meaning whoever wins the GOP primary on Tuesday is the heavy favorite to win the special election on December 2.
