FRANKLIN, Tenn., Oct. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- After serious thought and contemplation, I'm withdrawing my candidacy for United States Congress, and requesting that all who would have voted for me would instead vote for Matt Van Epps.
I've gotten to know Matt over the last several months as we have competed against each other for this seat. Matt is an extremely down to earth and humble individual who seems to be doing this for the right motives and reasons – to serve the folks in the Seventh District of Tennessee.
Today, President Trump and Governor Lee both endorsed Matt for this seat. After having gotten to know Matt personally, I would like to do the same.
Matt is a West Point graduate, combat veteran and decades long servant of the State of Tennessee, in various roles.
This is a close race, and many Democrats have shown up to vote, almost as many as Republicans. To coalesce support behind one candidate, as quickly as possible, providing a surge of support in the primary that continues into the general election, I'd also like to ask some of the other candidates to follow my lead and do the same.
I volunteered to serve Tennessee by entering this race. I now want to be the first volunteer to get behind the person I think would be best suited to win the general election.
My name will still be on the ballot, but I now ask all my supporters to vote for Matt Van Epps, supporting him in the primary election on October 7 and in the general election on December 2. Let's keep this seat safe in Republican hands.
Media Contact: info@cooper4congress.com
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