What strategic decision triggered the December special election?

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Mark Green resigned effective July 20, 2025—the day after voting for Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." He announced he was "offered an opportunity in the private sector that was too exciting to pass up," later revealed as cofounding Prosimos, a corporation focused on U.S.-Guyana trade to compete with China. Tennessee Code § 2-14-107 required Gov. Lee to call the special election within 10 days, setting primaries 55-60 days out and the general election 100-107 days later. Lee ordered the October 7 primary and December 2 general election, following statutory timelines. Green's July resignation allowed Republicans to fill the seat before the new Congress convened January 3, 2027, and avoided leaving the district unrepresented for 18 months. The timing also separated the special election from 2026 midterm dynamics—higher-turnout general elections typically favor Democrats. Green endorsed Van Epps as his chosen successor, providing institutional continuity. Had Green waited until December to resign, the seat might have remained vacant into mid-2026.

What strategic decision triggered the December special election?

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