JUST IN: Republican House Representative RESIGNS From Congress

Another seat in the U.S. House of Representatives has just been vacated, and it’s bad timing for an already razor-thin Republican majority.

Rep. Mark Green of Tennessee officially resigned from Congress on Sunday, following through on his announcement last month that he would be stepping down after helping pass President Trump’s landmark “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Green, who chaired the powerful House Homeland Security Committee, played a key role in crafting the bill’s border security provisions.

Green cited an “exciting” private-sector opportunity as his reason for leaving, though he hasn’t disclosed many details—only hinting that the role will allow him to help the U.S. compete with China on the global stage. “It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from Congress,” he said. “Recently, I was offered an opportunity in the private sector that was too exciting to pass up.”

His departure, however, could spell trouble for House Republicans, who now hold a slimmer 219–212 majority. With three Democrat-held seats expected to be filled in upcoming special elections, that margin is likely to tighten even further—making future legislative fights, including potential shutdown battles this fall, even more challenging.

Green had previously planned to retire at the end of the last Congress but stayed to ensure Trump’s priorities on border security made it through. Now that the “Big, Beautiful Bill” has passed, he says he’s fulfilled that mission and is stepping aside. A special election will be held to fill his seat in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District.

Before leaving, Green endorsed Matt Van Epps—a fellow Army veteran and West Point graduate—as his successor. The two served in the same special operations unit. Van Epps, who recently served as Commissioner of Tennessee’s Department of General Services, is expected to run in the special election.

“I see in Matt Van Epps the same spirit of Duty, Honor, and Country that was instilled in me at West Point,” Green said. “He’s a decorated combat veteran, a relentless fighter, a principled conservative—and exactly the kind of leader the 7th District wants as its voice in Washington.”

Green’s departure adds new complications to Speaker Mike Johnson’s legislative plans for the rest of the year—including a potential second reconciliation package. With every vote now critical, Republicans face the growing challenge of governing with a paper-thin majority and an energized opposition.

The question now becomes: can the GOP hold the line, or will more exits and special elections shift the balance of power before 2025?