U.S.A.
Matt Van Epps graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he honed leadership skills and a commitment to service. He spent a decade on active duty in the Tennessee Army National Guard, including combat deployments as a helicopter pilot and Air Mission Commander in Army Special Operations. Van Epps then transitioned to the public sector, leading one of the state's largest operational agencies as Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services. He furthered his career by serving as Deputy Chief Operating Officer in the Tennessee Governor's Office, where he managed multi-agency initiatives. Additionally, Van Epps founded a veteran-owned firm focused on national security and conservative policy initiatives, and developed a fellowship program to help veterans transition into public service.
Matt Van Epps combines a military background with a staunch conservative policy stance, advocating for traditional values and national security. His ideological positioning is evident in his opposition to biological men in women's sports and taxpayer-funded gender surgeries for minors, while also emphasizing border security and cutting wasteful government spending. Van Epps's rhetoric often centers on protecting American workers and veterans, revealing a strategic focus on national and regional interests. His surprising convergence with opposing factions on environmental regulations showcases a highly calculated approach to policymaking.