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📂 Category: Adelita Grijalva,congress,Matt Van Epps,Mike Johnson,Tennessee
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WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Matt Van Epps of Tennessee was sworn in Thursday as the newest member of the House of Representatives, two days after winning a closely watched special election that helped maintain his party’s tenuous grip on power.
“I come to this esteemed body as a Christian, husband, father and Army Special Operations helicopter pilot who has been in nine combat tours and seen firsthand what makes this nation exceptional,” Van Epps said in his first floor remarks.
Read more: Republican Matt Van Epps won a special election for the Tennessee House of Representatives
“America’s strength comes from our enduring belief that freedom is worth fighting for and from our commitment to protecting and empowering the hardworking families who make the American dream possible,” he said.
Van Epps promised to work to advance President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda, and said voters “didn’t send me here just to give a speech. They sent me here to make a speech, and that’s exactly what I intend to do.”
Van Epps was accompanied by his wife, Meg Reuther, and their daughter, Amelia, while he was sworn in before House Speaker Mike Johnson, Republican of Los Angeles, on the House floor.
“Fun fact: He took the oath on a pink Bible that belonged to his daughter. It has her name on it!” Johnson told reporters. “I’ve never seen that before.”
Read more: 3 reasons to watch Tennessee’s special election
Van Epps’ quick seating strengthened the GOP’s narrow majority at a time when there was talk of resignations. It also stands in stark contrast to the seven-week delay in the swearing-in of the newest Democrat, Rep. Adelita Grijalva of Arizona. Johnson had refused to swear her in during the government shutdown, angering Democrats.
There are now 220 Republicans and 213 Democrats, with open seats in two districts – in New Jersey and Texas – that were once represented by Democrats.
He watches: Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva is sworn in 7 weeks after the election, boosting Epstein’s vote
Van Epps is a West Point graduate and former state Public Services Commissioner from Nashville. He received a late push from Johnson and the national Republican Party in his race amid growing concerns about turnout. Republicans felt relieved after his victory, but the margin of victory increased concerns within the party about next year’s midterm elections.
He defeated Democratic state Rep. Aftin Behn by about 9 percentage points. But the former Republican who held the seat won by 21 percentage points in 2024 and Trump won the district that year by 22 percentage points.
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