Matt Van Epps is an American military veteran, political leader, and public servant whose strong national security platform and growing prominence in the Republican Party have made him noticeable. By 2025, he had become one of the most-watched contenders in the special election in Tennessee in the 7th Congressional District, with a focus on his battle experience, grassroots organizing, and the support of high-profile conservative leaders.
Matt van Epps Biography | |
|---|---|
| Real Name: | Matthew Robert Van Epps |
| Birth Date: | March 29, 1983 |
| Age: | 42 Years |
| Birthplace: | Nashville, Tennessee, USA |
| Parents: | – |
| Wife: | Meg Wrather |
Early Life
Matt Van Epps was born on 29 March 1983 in Nashville, Tennessee. He was brought up in a family where integrity, hard work, and service were important, and he had a sense of responsibility to his community.
His early life was also influenced by the fact that he was keen on matters of national security and serving the public, something that would eventually guide him into a career of serving the United States military.
Van Epps studied with an emphasis on leadership and strategic studies and went to Vanderbilt University to continue his education with advanced courses in public policy and administration. His childhood life, both academic and personal, was the basis of his future life in the military and then in the political sphere.
Matt van Epps Career
Matt Van Epps started his career in the U.S. Army, where he was an Army Ranger and developed discipline, strategic thinking, and mission-oriented leadership. His service in the military influenced a significant part of his worldview, as he personally experienced the operations of national security and what service members went through.
The abilities that he had acquired (team coordination, crisis management, and high-stakes decision-making) became part of his professional identity. Van Epps made a seamless move into the private world after serving his term in the military, serving in capacities associated with strategic development, operational planning, and consulting related to national security.
His ability to negotiate the complex organizational structures and present sound and rational advice made him a valuable asset to the organizations and groups he served. This part of his career solidified him as a leader who had the aptitude to integrate the military capabilities and skills in the civilian realm when it needed problem-solving.
Van Epps later shifted to the world of politics, which was inspired by a wish to make a policy impact on a legislative level. His entry into politics led to his contention for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 7th Congressional District of Tennessee, a high-profile race that received national coverage.
The focus of his campaign was on enhancing national security, the needs of the veterans, and economic resilience, which aligned with his career goals. During the campaign, Van Epps positioned himself as a conservative, former firsthand service person who wanted to take a mission-oriented approach to Congress and serve his district honestly and diligently.
Personal Life
Matt Van Epps married Meg Wrather, an editor. On June 17, 2023, the couple got married in Nashville, Tennessee. Their romance is said to be stable, supportive, and grounded, with Meg often attending major campaign events and outings with him.
They have a baby girl together, and they added it after they got married. Matt Van Epps frequently talks of the impact that fatherhood had on his sense of civic responsibility and how it made his mission to build a more resilient future for Tennessee families.
Prior to his current marriage, Van Epps was married to Meredith Hodulik between 2011 and 2013. Although he is privately reserved about his past relationships, his present family life with Meg is a key point in his personal identity, which defines his values and long-term aspirations.
Social Media
Matt Van Epps has led a professional online life on LinkedIn, posting updates on topics of public policy, military outlooks, national security challenges, and his campaign to represent his congress. His tone is professional, substantive, and aimed at the policy discussion and voters who are also professionals and veterans.
Although he is not building a huge following in the style of an entertainer, he leverages digital platforms in a smart way to reach constituents, explain his positions, and emphasize community engagement. His visibility on the internet also lived up to the 2025 special election cycle, particularly when various news media outlets reported on his campaign.
Matt Van Epps’s Net Worth
As of 2025, the estimated net worth of Matt Van Epps represents the aggregate of his military service benefits, his defense-related consulting positions, and his leadership positions within the public sector. Although precise numbers are not publicly verified, measurements indicate that his financial status lies in the medium category, which is common among military veterans who enter the field of strategic consulting and public service.