Another House Republican Resigns from Congress in Shocking Move

In a move that sends ripples through the Republican-controlled House, Rep. Mark Green of Tennessee officially resigned from Congress Sunday, opening up a critical seat as the GOP clings to a narrow 219-212 majority under President Donald Trump’s second term.

Green’s departure leaves just 431 sitting members in the House and four vacancies — three from deceased Democrats and now one from a key Trump ally.

Green, a West Point graduate, combat-decorated Army doctor, and fierce border hawk, made clear last month that he wouldn’t leave until President Trump’s sweeping “One Big, Beautiful Bill” — a cornerstone of the new administration — passed both chambers of Congress. That bill, which includes historic immigration crackdowns, massive tax cuts, and federal spending reforms, was signed into law by Trump on July 4.

With that victory sealed, Green bowed out.

“I came to Congress to serve President Trump’s America First agenda — and I’m proud to say we got it done,” Green told Fox News Digital. “We secured the border, defended life, and brought real conservative leadership to Washington. Now it’s time for the next chapter.”

Green, 59, has represented Tennessee’s deep-red 7th District since 2019, rising to chair the powerful House Homeland Security Committee. Under his leadership, Republicans launched the successful impeachment of former DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for what Green called “an unprecedented dereliction of duty at the border.”

Though he nearly retired after the 2022 midterms, Green says he stayed in Congress for one reason: “to make sure Trump’s border priorities didn’t die in committee.”

“I made a promise to the people of Tennessee, and I kept it,” Green said. “Now I’m ready to return to the private sector and hand off the baton to the next warrior in line.”

Tennessee’s 7th District, which Trump won by more than 20 points over Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, is expected to remain safely Republican. But Green’s sudden exit has triggered a Republican free-for-all ahead of a special election.

Green has already thrown his weight behind Matt Van Epps, a decorated Army veteran and former state commissioner under Gov. Bill Lee. The two served together in the same elite Army special operations unit — a bond Green calls “a brotherhood forged in combat.”

“Matt Van Epps is a true warrior, a man of integrity, and a battle-tested leader,” Green said. “He has my full and total endorsement.”

Van Epps responded with humility — and readiness.

“Congressman Green has been a fearless voice for Tennessee,” Van Epps said. “I’m honored by his endorsement and ready to fight for the people of the 7th District, just like I fought for this country.”

Several other Republicans have already signaled their intentions to run, including:

• Jason Knight, Montgomery County Commissioner
• Jonathan Thorp, retired U.S. Army veteran
• Mason Foley, health executive with Main Street Health
• Jay Reedy, Lee Reeves, and Jody Barrett, all current state representatives

While no date has been officially set for the special election, Tennessee officials say an announcement could come within weeks.

Though Green hasn’t revealed specifics about his next job, sources say he’s headed into the private sector with a defense or security-focused firm. His exit marks the second high-profile Republican to leave Congress this year, underscoring the intense demands — and personal toll — of serving during a historic political realignment under Trump.

“Mark Green is a patriot,” said Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH). “He served his country on the battlefield and in the Capitol. We’ll miss him — but we know he’ll continue the fight for American values wherever he goes.”