Republican Matt Van Epps on Tuesday won his party’s nomination in the special election to succeed former Tennessee Rep. Mark E. Green, just days after securing President Donald Trump’s endorsement in the race.

With 91 percent of votes in, Van Epps, who until June was the commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services, led an 11-way primary field with more than 51 percent, according to The Associated Press. His nearest opponents in the race for the 7th District , state Reps. Jody Barrett and Gino Bulso, trailed with 25 percent and 11 percent, respectively.

On the Democratic side, state Rep. Aftyn Behn bested three opponents Tuesday for the party nod. With more than 95 percent of votes in, Behn had 28 percent, just ahead of businessman Darden Copelan (25 percent), and sta

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