Candidates entering and exiting the race for Tennessee District 7

Vincent Dixie to Run for Congress in Tennessee’s 7th District

State Senator Vincent Dixie, a Democrat from Nashville, declared on Tuesday his intention to compete for the Congressional seat left vacant by Republican Rep. Mark Greene in Tennessee’s 7th District.

This comes as a shift in the political landscape, with Democrats stepping into the race while Republicans have opted out of the special elections. Interestingly, Erin’s Republican Rep. Jay Reedy, despite initial plans, has decided against running, having already filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission.

Greene’s decision to leave Congress followed his support for President Donald Trump’s spending plan, which not only included a significant tax cut for the wealthy but also increased border patrol funding amid reductions in Medicaid, food stamps, and clean energy programs. Dixie has criticized Greene for departing after supporting what he refers to as Trump’s “big beautiful bill.”

“I’m not running away from the fight – I’m running to it,” Dixie remarked in a statement. He emphasized his desire for change, voicing the importance of having capable leaders who can support families and communities.

Dixie is notable for being the first Black lawmaker to chair the House Democratic Caucus. He previously championed legislation aimed at providing minority students with improved access to advanced classes in public schools.

Joining Dixie in the race are other Democrats, including state lawmakers such as Aftin Bain, who resides just outside the 7th District. Notably, election laws permit candidates to be based in the state they wish to represent, not necessarily within the legislative district itself.

The district encompasses northern Nashville, parts of Clarksville, Williamson County, and a dozen more counties throughout Middle Tennessee.

On the Republican side, former Tennessee General Services Commissioner Matt Van Epps and State Reps. Jody Barrett and Lee Reves are among those interested in the position. Montgomery County Commissioner Jason Knight and U.S. Army veteran Jonathan Thorpe have also filed to run, as has Mason Foley, an employee at Main Street Health. Additionally, Stewart Parks, who previously served time for his involvement in the events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, announced his candidacy at a Benton County Republican event last week.