Van Epps takes oath of office 2 days after winning Tennessee special election

Dec. 4 Representative Matt Van Epps, a Republican from Tennessee, was officially sworn in on the House floor Thursday morning by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson of Louisiana. This ceremony came only two days after Van Epps won a special election held on Tuesday.

The speed of Van Epps' swearing-in drew criticism from House Democrats, highlighting a contrast with the 50-day wait experienced by Representative Adelita Grijalva, a Democrat from Arizona, after her special election victory to succeed her late fathers seat. Robbie Sherwood, communications director for the Arizona House Democratic Caucus, remarked on social media that such delays were considered customary.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee also noted the discrepancy, referencing Grijalva's extended wait. Grijalva had won her special election on September 23, but the House was in recess until a continuing resolution was passed to end a 43-day federal government shutdown.

During his swearing-in, Van Epps held a Bible belonging to his daughter Amelia. He is accompanied in public appearances by his wife, Meg Wrather, and daughter. Van Epps, an Army veteran and former Tennessee Department of General Services commissioner, succeeds Republican Mike Green, who retired in July to pursue private sector work.

In the special election, Van Epps received 96,988 votes, amounting to 53.9% of the 179,899 ballots cast. Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn, a state representative, garnered 81,044 votes (45%), while Independent Jon Thorp and other independent candidates collectively received 2,799 votes. Some ballots were still uncounted as of Thursday morning.

Van Epps victory margin of roughly 9 points was narrower than Donald Trumps 22% win in Tennessees 7th Congressional District in 2024 but sufficient to secure the seat. Van Epps had received Trumps endorsement before the election.

This win gives Republicans a 220-213 majority in the House, with two seats still vacant. The GOP majority will decrease by one following the upcoming retirement of Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia on January 5.

Author: Gavin Porter