The four Republican candidates will engage in a discussion on September 5th, just a week before early voting kicks off. The candidates are Matt Van Epps, a former commissioner of general services, Rep. Lee Reves, Jody Barrett, and Gino Bruso.
Recent financial disclosures show that Republicans Gino Bruso and Lee Reeves, along with Democrat businessman Darden Copeland, have taken out six-figure loans for their U.S. Congressional campaigns.
This trio of candidates accounts for about half of the $2.5 million raised by the eight major candidates from both parties in advance of the October 7 primary election.
The candidates are vying to replace former U.S. Congressman Mark Green, who won a special election on December 2nd and resigned in July after securing re-election. District 7 includes roughly 12 rural counties and parts of Davidson, Williamson, and Montgomery counties.
With 12 candidates in the GOP race, Bulso and Reeves, representing Williamson County, are seen as frontrunners among state Rep. Jody Barrett of Dixon and former Tennessee commissioner Matt Van Epps.
Throughout their campaigns, these four Republican candidates have stated their intention to support President Donald Trump’s agenda and together have raised approximately $1.7 million.
The Democratic primary features Copeland and Nashville officials Aftin Bain, Vincent Dixie, and Beau Mitchell. The Democratic candidates aim to provide a balance against the Trump administration, discussing strategies for winning in traditionally Republican districts.
Greene previously won the last two elections in the seventh district by around 20 percent.
The Democratic candidates have collectively raised about $825,000.
By September 25th, around 16,500 voters had participated in early voting, which concluded on October 2nd.
Comparing Republican Candidates
The Republican candidates can be divided into two distinct groups. Reeves, Barrett, and Van Epps have primarily raised funds from individuals, while Bulso mainly relies on self-funding.
Van Epps garnered close to $360,000— the highest among the GOP candidates excluding personal funds. Reeves collected about $270,000, followed by Barrett at $235,000, and Bulso at $55,000.
Reeves and Bulso are nearly tied in total funds raised, with over $550,000. Bulso invested nearly $500,000 into his campaign, compared to Reeves’s loan of $300,000.
Comparing the Democratic Candidates
Copeland leads the Democratic field with roughly $435,000 raised, including $125,000 from personal loans and around $300,000 from individual donations. While he has the largest amount of non-personal contributions, a significant portion of his funding originates from out-of-state donors.
Mitchell raised about $200,000, contributing $10,000 of his own funds. Behn gathered approximately $150,000, while Dixie secured around $140,000.
Links to Latest Federal Election Commission Submissions
To find an early voting location, click here. To find a polling station and view a sample ballot, click here.
