2025 Rep. Lee Reeves

District 65 Rep. Lee Reeves speaks at a May 26, 2025, press conference at the Tenn. State Capitol.

 Photo: Hamilton Matthew Masters

Freshman District 65 State Rep. Lee Reeves (R-Franklin) has thrown his hat in the ring to succeed District 7 Congressional Rep. Mark Green who resigned from the seat he’s held since 2018.

Reeves was elected to the State House in November 2024 after he narrowly defeated Williamson County Commissioner Brian Beathard for the Republican nomination in August, during an election that was financed in large part by out-of-state Political Action Committees.

Reeves ran as a “school choice” candidate who aimed to “de-magnetize Tennessee” regarding illegal immigration and earned the endorsement of Gov. Bill Lee. 

He played a crucial role in passing the governor’s school voucher bill earlier this year and was appointed as one of six deputy whip positions in the House. He also sponsored a new law that invalidates out-of-state driver’s licenses issued to undocumented immigrants.

Reeves enters a rapidly crowded field of Republicans vying for the nomination including fellow State Rep. Jody Barrett, state commissioner  Matt Van Epps, Montgomery County Commissioner Jason Knight, and veteran Jon Thorp. 

In a news release announcing his candidacy, Reeves “pledged to be a reliable teammate in advancing the America First agenda in Washington.”

“President Trump is our nation’s quarterback, calling the plays to Make America Great Again, and I’m running to be on his team in Congress,” Reeves said. “In Washington, I’ll fight alongside him to secure our borders, protect our values, and deliver for the people of Tennessee’s 7th District - the communities of Williamson, Montgomery, Robertson, Davidson, Cheatham, Dickson, Hickman, Perry, Decatur, Stewart, Houston, Humphreys, Wayne, and Benton counties.” 

State Rep. Bo Mitchell (D-Nashville) previously announced he was running for the seat. The morning after Reeves' announcement Rep. Aftyn Behn (D-Nashville) officially announced she would run. Several other Democrats have expressed interest, such as Rep. Vincent Dixie though they have not officially declared intent to run. 

A special election will be held later this year to determine who will fill the remainder of Green’s term.

Reeves’ wife, Claire, was elected to the Williamson County Board of Education in August 2024.

Williamson County GOP Chairman Steve Hickey told the Williamson Scene that the county party can't take a position in a contested election, but added that they will support the Republican Party's nominee in the special election.