U.S. Representative Matt Van Epps (R-TN-07) launched a new reelection ad Wednesday highlighting his perfect congressional voting record and military service as early voting opens across Tennessee ahead of the November 3 general election.
The ad, titled “Mission,” connects Van Epps’ experience as a combat veteran and Army helicopter pilot with his approach to serving in Congress, emphasizing his record of attending every House vote since taking office.
“I learned that when you’re given a mission, you show up and get the job done,” Van Epps says in the ad. “I’ve brought that same mindset to Congress. I haven’t missed a single vote.”
The ad also highlights Van Epps’ work supporting veterans, his vote to ban congressional stock trading, and his efforts to advance what the campaign describes as Tennessee values.
“Service has never been about a title. It’s about the mission,” Van Epps says at the conclusion of the ad. “I’m Matt Van Epps, and my mission is fighting for Tennessee.”
In a release shared exclusively with The Tennessee Star, Van Epps’ campaign says the freshman congressman has cast all 364 votes since his election, making him the only member of Tennessee’s congressional delegation with a perfect voting attendance record.
The release also noted Van Epps has attended more than 250 events across the district since his election, saying his effort “reflects a commitment to showing up, listening to Tennesseans, and delivering for the communities he represents.”
Van Epps, a West Point graduate, served 10 years on active duty as an Army helicopter pilot, including with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. He continues to serve as a lieutenant colonel in the Tennessee Army National Guard.
The new ad comes one day after Van Epps discussed his first-year accomplishments in Congress during an exclusive sit-down with The Star’s CEO and Editor-in-Chief Michael Patrick Leahy.
During the interview, Van Epps discussed advancing his first major piece of legislation, the Major Non-NATO Ally Terror Threat Assessment Act, which passed the U.S. House in July. The bill would require the Department of Homeland Security to assess terrorist organizations operating in countries designated as major non-NATO allies and those countries’ ability to counter the threats.
Van Epps, who has received President Donald Trump’s formal endorsement, faces Democratic nominee Darden Copeland and two independent candidates in the November 3 general election.
Early voting runs through Thursday, October 29, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.
Watch Van Epps’ “Mission” ad:
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
Photo “Matt Van Epps” by Matt Van Epps.
