19 candidates head to Oct. 7 primary for 7th District special election

The race for Tennessee’s 7th congressional seat is taking shape. The deadline to file for candidacy ended Aug. 12, and the names are set for the Oct. 7 special primary election to replace Congressman Mark Green.

Green retired from the seat that encompasses all of Cheatham County and 13 additional counties on July 20. After his reelection, Rep. Green was expected to stay in Congress until January 2027. The general election for his seat will be held on Dec. 2.

The Republican side of the race is crowded with 11 men vying for the GOP nomination, two of which are current state representatives. The GOP candidates come from different corners of Tennessee’s far-reaching 7th district. 

The Democratic side of the ticket has four candidates, all state representatives from Nashville, and four independents have also joined the race.

You must register to vote by Sept. 8 to participate in the primary election. Early voting for the primary election will take place from Sept. 17 to Oct. 2. South Cheatham residents can vote early for the primary election at Pegram City Hall. On Oct. 7, Kingston Springs residents must vote at Harpeth High School (the school will be closed that day), and Pegram residents must vote at Pegram City Hall. 

Click the candidates’ names below to be redirected to their campaign website, if applicable. 

Republican Primary Candidates

• Jody Barrett, Dickson
• Gino Bulso, Brentwood
• Stuart Cooper, Franklin
• Matt Van Epps, Nashville
• Mason Foley, Franklin
• Jason Knight, Clarksville
• Joe Leurs, Nashville
• Stewart Parks, Nashville
• Lee Reeves, Franklin
• Tres Wittum, Nashville
• Adolph Agbéko Dagan (no information available)

Democratic Primary Candidates

• Aftyn Behn, Nashville
• Darden Copeland, Nashville
• Vincent Dixie, Nashville
• Bo Mitchell, Nashville

Independent Candidates

• Bobby Dodge, Franklin
• Jon Thorp, Springfield
• Teresa Christie (no information available)
• Robert James Sutherby (no information available)