Lee Reeves suspends congressional campaign, endorses Matt Van Epps

State Rep. Lee Reeves (R-Franklin) suspended his 7th Congressional District campaign on Friday hours after President Donald Trump endorsed republican candidate Matt Van Epps ahead of Tuesday’s primary.

“Throughout the campaign, I consistently told voters that President Trump is our quarterback — he calls the plays, and I would be a reliable teammate to make sure as much of his America First agenda as possible is accomplished and codified into federal law before the November 2026 midterm elections,” Reeves said in a news release, adding that he will now “stand shoulder to shoulder with President Trump” and endorse Van Epps.

Van Epps was also endorsed by Gov. Bill Lee on Thursday, one day before Trump’s endorsement.

Reeves’ announcement now leaves state Reps. Jody Barrett (R-Dickson) and state Rep. Gino Bulso (R-Brentwood) as the biggest electoral challengers to Van Epps, while the crowded Republican field also includes seven other GOP candidates.