President Donald J. Trump just scored another big win for the Republican Party, proving once again that his endorsement remains the most powerful weapon in American politics.
In Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, Trump-backed candidate Matt Van Epps — a decorated Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and former state commissioner — crushed his competition in a crowded GOP primary, easily outpacing 10 other Republican contenders.
The Associated Press officially called the race Tuesday night, handing another clear victory to the Trump movement and the America First agenda.
Trump’s Endorsement Reshaped the Entire Race
Van Epps received President Trump’s endorsement just days before the election — and it changed everything.
Within hours of Trump’s public backing, rival candidate Lee Reeves suspended his campaign and threw his support behind Van Epps, saying it was time to unite behind President Trump’s choice.
“Matt knows the WISDOM and COURAGE required to defend our country, support our incredible military and veterans, and ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH,” Trump declared in his statement.
Van Epps called the endorsement “an incredible honor”, promising to carry forward Trump’s America First vision in Congress.
Trump’s Political Power Still Unmatched
The 7th District — a deep red area stretching across central and western Tennessee — voted for President Trump by nearly 20 points in 2024. Van Epps now heads into the December 2 general election as the overwhelming favorite to keep the seat Republican.
Outgoing Rep. Mark Green, who resigned earlier this year for a private-sector position, also endorsed Van Epps. The president doubled down the night before the election by joining a tele-rally co-hosted by Club for Growth, a major conservative organization that also backed Van Epps.
Even powerful Republicans like Rep. Jim Jordan lined up behind Van Epps, making the race a litmus test of loyalty to President Trump — one that ended in a decisive win for Team Trump.
Democrats Face Uphill Battle
On the Democrat side, four candidates — Vincent Dixie, Aftyn Behn, Bo Mitchell, and Darden Copeland — battled for their party’s nomination. But with Tennessee voters leaning heavily Republican, Democrats face nearly impossible odds in flipping the seat.
The GOP currently holds a 219–213 advantage in the U.S. House, with two vacancies — Tennessee’s and one in Texas following the passing of Rep. Sylvester Turner.
Trump’s latest victory ensures Republicans are well-positioned heading into 2025 — and reinforces his role as the unquestioned leader of the Republican Party.
Bottom Line: Trump’s Grip on the GOP Is Stronger Than Ever
From Tennessee to Washington, President Trump’s influence continues to shape the future of American politics.
Every endorsement he makes becomes a headline. Every candidate he supports sees a surge of grassroots energy. And every election he touches becomes a referendum on the America First movement that continues to dominate Republican voters nationwide.
The message from Tennessee is loud and clear: 👉 Trump still runs the Republican Party — and his candidates still win.