NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Matt Van Epps, a former commissioner in Gov. Bill Lee’s administration who was endorsed by President Donald Trump, and Democratic state Rep. Aftyn Behn won their crowded primary races Tuesday and will face off in December in a special election to replace a GOP congressman who left office this summer.

Van Epps clinched victory with the presidential endorsement that came after in-person early voting ended. Eleven Republicans were on the ballot for the seat vacated by former U.S. Rep. Mark Green.

In a victory speech, the Republican nominee said the endorsement “made the difference, and I will never forget it.”

“In Congress I’ll stand shoulder to shoulder with President Trump to advance our America First agenda,” Van Epps said.

Behn, a social worker and community or

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