Matt Van Epps Bio
Matthew Robert Van Epps (born March 29, 1983) is an American politician and former Army officer who has served as the U.S. representative for Tennessee’s 7th congressional district since December 2025. A member of the Republican Party, he was elected in a 2025 special election held after the resignation of Representative Mark Green. Van Epps is a combat-decorated Army helicopter pilot and a self-described fiscal conservative aligned with the America First agenda.
Before entering Congress, Van Epps served as commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services from 2024 to 2025, a post to which he was appointed by Governor Bill Lee. He is a 2005 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and later earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Early Life and Background
Matthew Robert Van Epps was born on March 29, 1983, and grew up in Mentor, Ohio. He attended Mentor High School, where he played baseball and football and was a member of the National Honor Society. His experience in Ohio laid the foundation for the discipline and leadership that would later define his military and public service careers.
After high school, Van Epps received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Following his active-duty service, he pursued advanced education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning a Master of Public Administration.
Path to US Politics
Van Epps’s path to politics was shaped largely by his military service and subsequent public-administration work. After a decade on active duty as an Army aviation officer, he transitioned into state government when Governor Bill Lee appointed him commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services in 2024.
In that role, Van Epps oversaw the management of state buildings, property, and support services. He resigned on June 10, 2025, to pursue the open seat in Tennessee’s 7th congressional district, following the resignation of U.S. representative Mark Green. His combination of military leadership, executive experience, and conservative principles positioned him as a strong contender in the race.
Matt Van Epps Career
Early Career (2005–2015)
Matt Van Epps launched his professional career after graduating from West Point in 2005, when he was commissioned into the U.S. Army as an aviation officer. He served on active duty for ten years, piloting helicopters and taking on increasing leadership responsibilities within Army aviation units.
During his decade of active service, Van Epps deployed in support of combat operations and earned several major decorations, including the Air Medal with “V” device, the Bronze Star, and the Meritorious Service Medal. These awards recognized his performance in combat and his contributions to mission success.
Tennessee Government and Congressional Run (2024–2025)
Van Epps’s transition to public service began in 2024, when Governor Bill Lee appointed him commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services. In that cabinet position, he managed state property, procurement, and operational support for various state agencies.
He resigned in June 2025 to run for Congress after Representative Mark Green announced his resignation. Shortly after launching his campaign, Van Epps earned endorsements from both Governor Lee and Representative Green, and in October 2025, President Donald Trump endorsed him in the Republican primary, calling him a “MAGA warrior” and a “combat-decorated Army helicopter pilot.” The endorsement, issued four days before the primary, prompted state representative Lee Reeves to suspend his campaign and back Van Epps.
U.S. House of Representatives Era (December 2025–Present)
Van Epps won the Republican primary on October 7, 2025, with 51.6 percent of the vote, then defeated Democratic nominee Aftyn Behn in the December 2, 2025, special election, capturing 53.9 percent of the popular vote. He was sworn into office on December 4, 2025.
On December 9, 2025, Van Epps voted to pass the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025, which passed the House by a vote of 399–5 and extends federal payments to rural counties for schools, roads, and local services. He is currently seeking election to a full term in Congress.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Van Epps’s most notable achievements is his rapid ascent from a state cabinet position to a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives within months, fueled by high-profile endorsements from Governor Bill Lee, Representative Mark Green, and President Donald Trump. His combat decorations and pilot background have also become defining elements of his political identity.
Matt Van Epps Career Wins
Matt Van Epps’s career in elected office is still in its early stages, but he has already recorded two major victories on his way to Congress.
Congressional Election Highlights
Van Epps won the Republican primary for Tennessee’s 7th congressional district on October 7, 2025, securing 51.6 percent of the vote in a crowded field that initially included 11 candidates. He then won the December 2, 2025, special election against Democratic nominee Aftyn Behn with 53.9 percent of the popular vote, succeeding Mark Green and beginning his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Other Wins & Achievements
Beyond electoral success, Van Epps earned one of Tennessee’s most prominent executive appointments when Governor Bill Lee selected him as commissioner of the Department of General Services in 2024. His military decorations, including the Bronze Star and the Air Medal with “V” device, also stand among his most significant career accomplishments.
Matt Van Epps Family
Family Background and Personal Lineage
Matt Van Epps grew up in Mentor, Ohio, where he attended Mentor High School and developed the work ethic and discipline that would later shape his military and political careers. He was active in athletics and academics during his school years, participating in baseball, football, and the National Honor Society.
Personal Life
Van Epps is married to Meg Wrather, and the couple has one daughter. They reside in Nashville, Tennessee. He was previously married to Meredith Hodulik. Van Epps is a Christian.