A rush of Republicans and Democrats are likely to run for two open U.S. Congressional seats in Middle Tennessee.
U.S. Rep Mark Green, a Clarksville Republican, confirmed Monday he is stepping down from his 7th Congressional District seat on July 20, triggering a special election. The 7th district encompasses parts of northern Nashville, Clarksville and half of Williamson County, as well as about a dozen other Middle Tennessee counties.
Green announced in 2024 he would not run for reelection but one month later, was persuaded to run again by President Donald Trump. His official resignation comes days after he voted in favor of Trump’s domestic policy bill to cut Medicaid, food stamps and clean energy programs to partially pay for an extension and expansion of tax cuts.
By state law, the special election to replace Green must occur later this year.
State Rep. Jody Barrett, a Dickson Republican, announced in a statement Monday he will run for the seat. Barrett, who voted against Gov. Bill Lee’s private school tuition program, positioned himself in the statement as an outsider.