Trump-supported Van Epps sworn in as GOP reaches 220 seats - potential Greene exit puts slim majority at risk

Tennessee Republican Matt Van Epps was officially sworn into the U.S. House on Thursday morning by Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., slightly strengthening the Republican hold on a narrow majority in the lower chamber.

Van Epps assumed office less than two days after winning a fiercely contested special election in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District, a key race for Republicans defending their House majority ahead of next years midterm elections. In his swearing-in speech, Van Epps pledged to work every day with President Trump and my colleagues in this House to advance the America First agenda.

With Van Epps induction, Republicans now hold 220 seats in the House compared to 213 Democrats. However, this number will fall back to 219 in early December when Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene resigns, following a public dispute with Trump. The Democratic side has 213 seats, with two additional seats currently vacant due to the passing of Rep. Sylvester Turner of Texas and the recent resignation of Rep. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey. Special elections for these seats are scheduled for January 31 and April, respectively.

In the recent Tennessee election, Van Epps defeated Democratic nominee Aftyn Behn to succeed former GOP Rep. Mark Green, who stepped down in June to join the private sector. The 7th District, spanning central and western Tennessee and portions of Nashville, strongly favors Republicans: Trump won it by 22 points in last years presidential election, and Green previously secured victories by over 20 points in 2022 and 2024.

Despite the districts Republican lean, Democrats invested heavily, encouraged by strong performances in recent 2025 elections. Van Epps ultimately won by around nine points, aided by unusually high voter turnout for a holiday-season special election. Speaker Johnson emphasized the significance of the race, attending multiple campaign events alongside Van Epps and noting the unpredictability of special elections even in traditionally red districts.

Since I became speaker, I have presided over some of the smallest majorities in history. Every seat matters, Johnson said, highlighting that no outcome can be taken for granted.

Analysis: Van Epps Sworn In Strengthens Narrow GOP Majority

The swearing-in of Tennessee Republican Matt Van Epps on Thursday slightly reinforces the Republican hold on the U.S. House, bringing their total to 220 seats. While this margin is temporary—falling back to 219 in December with the resignation of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene—the addition of Van Epps demonstrates the ongoing importance of special elections in maintaining party control.

Van Epps won Tennessee's 7th Congressional District in a closely watched special election, defeating Democrat Aftyn Behn by roughly nine points. Despite the district’s strong Republican lean, Democrats invested significant resources, reflecting recent gains in 2025 contests. High voter turnout contributed to Van Epps’ clear victory, underscoring that even safe districts cannot be taken for granted.

His pledge to collaborate with President Trump and GOP colleagues signals continuity with the party's agenda, while Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized that every seat matters in a narrow majority. With two Democratic seats currently vacant, upcoming special elections in Texas and New Jersey will further influence the balance of power in the House.

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• Trump-backed Van Epps sworn in as GOP hits 220 seats — but incoming Greene exit threatens razor-thin majority