Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District is about to be wide open. With Congressman Mark Green announcing his retirement, political insiders say Governor Bill Lee is likely to call a special election in 2025 to fill the soon-to-be-vacant seat.
So who’s in the running?
Well, in deep-red Tennessee, particularly in District 7, the real contest will be on the Republican side. Let’s be honest—there’s rarely more than one Democrat seriously contesting a Congressional seat in this state.
Names Already in the Mix
According to the Tennessee Lookout, a left-leaning political site, some of the early GOP prospects include:
- Matt Van Epps, Commissioner of the TN Department of General Services
- Senator Bill Powers, State Senator from Clarksville
- Rep. Jody Barrett, current State Representative
- Brandon Ogles, former State Representative
- Rep. Gino Bulso, a rising conservative voice in the legislature
Meanwhile, my own sources in Nashville are also floating the name of former State Rep. Michael Curcio as a potential contender.
But there’s one name no one’s talking about—and believe they should be.
The Wild Card: Stokes Nielson
Stokes Nielson, former frontman of the country band The Lost Trailers, has quietly built a unique resume that blends entertainment, activism, and conservative grassroots involvement.
Back in 2019, he spoke at the Knox County/Knoxville Center City Conservatives Republican Club, here. He’s also been involved in international advocacy, once requesting UK help to support legislation protecting U.S. citizens abroad. During the early days of COVID-19, he became one of the first Tennesseans diagnosed—and one of the first to recover. He even wrote and recorded a song during his illness.
Nielson’s traveled globally, stayed active in Tennessee’s conservative circles, and brings something most politicians don’t: a name recognized beyond the State Capitol.
Could He Run?
If Stokes Nielson throws his hat in the ring, he could shake up the race—especially among grassroots conservatives and voters looking for a non-career politician. BrianHornback.Com #TheMegaBullhornofTruth will be a strong advocate and supporter should Nielson get in the race.
We’ll be watching closely.
