State Representative Gino Bulso (R-Brentwood) is expected to announce his candidacy in the Republican primary for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District as early as next week, multiple sources close to Williamson County and state GOP political circles tell The Tennessee Star.
The upcoming special election was triggered by the resignation of U.S. Rep. Mark Green (R-TN-7), who announced earlier this month that he will step down from Congress on July 20 to pursue a private-sector opportunity. Green’s departure leaves the 7th District seat open, and Gov. Bill Lee has proposed a special election calendar that includes an Oct. 7 primary and a Dec. 2 general election. Those dates are tentative, and subject to change depending upon compliance with federal election rules and regulations.
Bulso, who has a thriving law practice, was first elected to the state legislature in 2022. A graduate of Cornell College and Emory University School of Law, He settled in Nashville with his wife in 1986 before moving his family to Brentwood in 1995. In addition to his law career, Bulso has served on Tennessee’s Advisory Commission on the Rules of Practice and Procedure.
As a state representative, Bulso has built a reputation among conservatives for sponsoring legislation that echoes national MAGA priorities. His proposals have included strict immigration measures, support for election integrity laws, and opposition to COVID-19 mandates. His website touts a commitment to “restoring constitutional government” and “defending Tennessee families.” In 2023, he endorsed Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) for the 2024 GOP Presidential nomination and ran as a DeSantis delegate to the 2024 GOP National Convention in the Tennessee primary. After DeSantis dropped out of the race for the GOP nomination for President in January 2024, Bulso endorsed Trump for President.
The 7th Congressional District stretches from suburban Williamson County westward through more rural areas of Middle Tennessee. About 25 percent of the district’s population is in Williamson County, 25 percent is in Montgomery County, and 25 percent is in Davidson County. It has long been a Republican stronghold, and voter turnout in the GOP primaries underscores the region’s political leanings. In 2024 Republican Green easily defeated the Democratic nominee, disgraced former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, 58 percent to 39 percent.
Bulso would join a crowded field vying for the Republican nomination, which currently includes State Rep. Lee Reeves (R-Franklin), State Rep. Jody Barrett (R-Dickson), former Lee administration official Matt Van Epps, Montgomery County Commissioner Jason Knight, pardoned J6 defendant Stewart Parks, and 28-year old, former Mitch McConnell aide Mason Foley.
Bulso’s ability to self-finance could also be a significant factor in a special primary election that will be more like a sprint than a marathon. State Rep. Lee Reeves has contributed $300,000 of his own funds and raised another $108,000, while Van Epps has raised about $100,000. Stewart Parks has said he will self finance for at least $100,000, and as much as $500,000.
Announced candidates vying for the Democratic nomination include State Rep. Aftyn Behn (D-Nashville), State Rep. Bo Mitchell (D-Nashville), and State Rep. Vin Dixie (D-Nashville).
The filing deadline for the special primary is fast approaching. The Tennessee Star will continue to track developments in the TN-7 race as they unfold.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Photo “State Rep Gino Bulso” by State Rep. Gino Bulso.
I would support Bulso over Lee Reeves. Who is Lee Reeves? He just suddenly showed up in Franklin a few years ago with a ton of out-of-state money and he and his wife buys a couple of elected seats. He is too much of a Manchurian candidate. Has the talking points memorized (taxes, trannies, Israel) but seems an empty vessel.