GOP Rep. Matt Van Epps Sworn In After Special Election Victory/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Matt Van Epps of Tennessee has officially joined the U.S. House of Representatives, just two days after winning a key special election. His swift swearing-in reinforces the Republican Party’s slim House majority. Van Epps pledged to support President Trump’s “America First” agenda.
Matt Van Epps Sworn In: Quick Looks
- Republican Matt Van Epps sworn in as U.S. Representative for Tennessee
- Took oath just two days after special election victory
- Accompanied by wife Meg Wrather and daughter Amelia
- Sworn in using his daughter’s hot pink Bible
- Van Epps is a West Point graduate and Army combat veteran
- Pledges to support President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda
- Defeated Democrat Aftyn Behn by 9 points in a conservative district
- Replaces Republican who won by 21 points in 2024
- GOP now holds 220 seats to Democrats’ 213 in the House
- Two Democratic vacancies remain in New Jersey and Texas
GOP Rep. Matt Van Epps Sworn In After Special Election Victory
Deep Look
Matt Van Epps, a Republican from Tennessee, was sworn in Thursday as the newest member of the U.S. House of Representatives, strengthening the GOP’s slim majority just days after securing victory in a high-profile special election.
Flanked by his wife, Meg Wrather, and daughter, Amelia, Van Epps took the oath of office on the House floor administered by Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana. Notably, he used his daughter’s hot pink Bible, a symbolic gesture that caught the attention of lawmakers and reporters alike. “I have not seen that before,” Johnson quipped.
Van Epps delivered his first floor speech shortly after the swearing-in, emphasizing his military background and commitment to conservative values. “I come to this distinguished body as a Christian, a husband and a father, and an Army special operations helicopter pilot with nine combat tours,” he said. “America’s strength comes from our enduring belief that freedom is worth fighting for.”
Positioning himself as a dedicated supporter of President Donald Trump’s platform, Van Epps pledged allegiance to the “America First” agenda. “The voters didn’t send me here to just give a speech. They sent me here to deliver, and that is exactly what I intend to do,” he stated.
His swift induction into Congress is notable given recent tensions over procedural delays. Just weeks ago, Democrats were outraged when Johnson delayed the swearing-in of Rep. Adelita Grijalva of Arizona for over seven weeks during a government shutdown. Van Epps’s quick entry stands in sharp contrast and reaffirms Republican control, at least for now.
The House now sits at 220 Republicans and 213 Democrats, with two vacancies — both formerly held by Democrats — in Texas and New Jersey. While Republicans were relieved to maintain the seat, the margin of Van Epps’s victory has sparked quiet concern within the party. He defeated Democrat Aftyn Behn by about nine percentage points in a district where the previous Republican had won by 21 points and Trump carried by 22 points in 2024.
Van Epps’s political resume includes serving as Tennessee’s General Services Commissioner and graduating from West Point. His military service, including nine combat deployments as a helicopter pilot, has shaped his political brand as a disciplined, patriotic, and results-driven leader.
In a year when House Republicans face increasing pressure to defend vulnerable seats, Van Epps’s win offers both reassurance and warning. His ability to maintain Republican control in the district is critical, yet the narrower margin suggests shifting dynamics heading into the 2026 midterms.
The GOP’s current House majority is razor-thin, and internal divisions continue to complicate legislative efforts. Van Epps’s addition gives leadership one more reliable vote as they navigate an uncertain political landscape heading into next year.
Van Epps has already signaled he intends to be more than just a placeholder. With a blend of military discipline and partisan alignment, he could become a vocal figure within the GOP’s younger ranks. His immediate support for Trump’s policies signals that he’s likely to align closely with leadership and conservative priorities.
As he begins his term, Van Epps enters a polarized chamber with critical budget decisions, national security debates, and political investigations looming large on the agenda. For now, though, Republicans have one more seat—and one more voice—to advance their legislative goals.
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