Republican Matt Van Epps of Tennessee took the oath of office on the House floor Thursday morning, administered by Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.
This development provides the GOP with a slight advantage as they navigate a precarious majority in the House of Representatives.
According to Fox News, Van Epps was sworn in just under two days after securing victory in a fiercely contested special election for Tennessee's 7th Congressional District. This seat, previously held by the GOP, was deemed crucial for Republicans as they prepare to defend their majority in the upcoming midterm elections.
During his inaugural address, Van Epps committed to "work every day with President Trump and my colleagues in this House to deliver on the America First agenda."
With Van Epps' induction, the House now comprises 220 Republicans and 213 Democrats. However, this balance is set to shift again when Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia resigns next month. Greene, known for her staunch MAGA stance, has had a falling out with President Trump, which has led to her decision to step down.
Meanwhile, the Democratic side of the aisle has two vacant seats. The late Rep. Sylvester Turner of Texas passed away in March, with a special election to fill his seat scheduled for January 31. Additionally, former Rep. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey resigned after winning the state's gubernatorial race, with her seat's special election slated for April.
Van Epps emerged victorious against Democratic contender Aftyn Behn, succeeding former GOP Rep. Mark Green, who left office in June for a private sector role. The district, spanning central and western Tennessee and including parts of Nashville, was won by President Trump by a 22-point margin in the last presidential election.
Similarly, Green secured the district by over 20 points in his previous re-elections. Despite these Republican strongholds, Democrats, buoyed by recent electoral successes, aimed to flip the seat, prompting both national Democratic and Republican organizations to invest heavily in the race.
Ultimately, Van Epps defeated Behn by approximately 9 points, aided by significant voter turnout during the holiday season. The significance of retaining this seat for the GOP was underscored by Speaker Johnson's presence in Tennessee, where he campaigned alongside Van Epps on the eve of the election.
Johnson emphasized the importance of vigilance, stating, "We cannot take anything for granted. Since I became speaker, I presided over some of the smallest majorities in history. Every seat counts." He further noted the unpredictability of special elections, remarking, "special elections are strange because a lot of people take for granted in a deep red district like this that the Republicans are just going to win automatically. Nothing's automatic."
As the political landscape continues to shift, the GOP remains focused on maintaining its hold on the House, recognizing that every seat is pivotal in the broader battle for legislative control.
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