Van Epps, Matt

Matt Van Epps is a Republican Representative from Tennessee's 7th Congressional District, having assumed office in December 2025 following a special election. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, he served a decade on active duty as an Army aviator with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Before his election to Congress, he held high-level roles in Tennessee state government, including serving as Commissioner of the Department of General Services and Deputy Chief Operating Officer in the Governor's Office. He continues his military service as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Tennessee Army National Guard.

In the House, Van Epps serves on the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. His legislative priorities are heavily influenced by his military background, focusing on national security, border protection, and support for service members. He has introduced key legislation such as the HONOR Gold Star Families Act, which seeks to double the death gratuity for families of fallen service members, and the Guard Equal Benefits for Federal Missions Act to ensure National Guard members receive federal benefits during public safety deployments. He is also a member of the Republican Study Committee.