Matt Van Epps, the newly elected Republican representative for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, has captured national attention with his military background and alignment with President Trump’s agenda. A West Point graduate and decorated combat veteran, Van Epps transitioned from helicopter piloting in Afghanistan and Iraq to public service, culminating in his recent victory over Democrat Aftyn Behn. His story, however, extends beyond the ballot box to a deeply personal foundation shaped by family values and Midwestern resilience.
Born in 1983 in a prosperous Cleveland suburb, Van Epps grew up in an environment that instilled discipline, patriotism, and a commitment to service—qualities that propelled him into the U.S. Army and later Tennessee politics. His journey reflects the American dream, blending Ohio’s industrial heartland heritage with the Volunteer State’s welcoming spirit, where he now resides with his young family.
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Early Life and Parents
Matt Van Epps’ parents played pivotal roles in forging his character amid the challenges of a working-class yet aspirational household in Ohio. His father, Robert Cornell Van Epps Jr., born in 1946 in Cleveland, embodied quiet strength and perseverance until his passing in 2013 after a battle with bladder cancer. A devoted family man, Robert shared a 32-year marriage with Matt’s mother, Barbara (née Rich), who provided unwavering support during his illness and beyond. The couple raised their sons in a home filled with love for reading, puzzles, and classic films, fostering intellectual curiosity alongside practical grit.
Welcome to the @HouseGOP, Congressman-elect Matt Van Epps! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/HUw5T3qlxU
— House Republicans (@HouseGOP) December 3, 2025
Barbara, known for her warmth and resilience, continues to influence Matt’s life, emphasizing community involvement and ethical leadership. The Van Epps household in the affluent Cleveland area offered stability, allowing young Matt to pursue excellence at the United States Military Academy at West Point, from which he graduated in 2005. This parental guidance, rooted in Midwestern values of hard work and integrity, directly informed Van Epps’ decision to serve nine combat tours, mirroring the selflessness he observed at home.
Siblings, Ethnicity, and Extended Family
Van Epps shares a close bond with his brother, Joshua Van Epps, a fellow U.S. Army captain who served with the 101st Airborne Division, including deployments to Afghanistan around the time of their father’s death. The brothers’ parallel military paths highlight a family tradition of duty, with Joshua’s experiences reinforcing Matt’s resolve during his own high-stakes missions as a helicopter pilot in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. No other siblings are publicly noted, but the duo’s camaraderie underscores the tight-knit dynamic that sustained them through loss and service.
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Of Dutch-English descent, typical of many Ohio families, Van Epps’ ethnicity reflects a blend of European immigrant roots that trace back to early American settlers, contributing to his all-American persona and unyielding optimism. This heritage, combined with his parents’ emphasis on faith and community, has shaped his conservative worldview, evident in his advocacy for family-centric policies.
In his immediate family today, Van Epps cherishes time with his wife, Meg Wrather, an editor whom he married on June 17, 2023, in Nashville. Their young daughter represents the next chapter, inspiring Van Epps’ focus on securing a stable future for Tennessee families. A previous marriage to Meredith Hodulik from 2011 to 2013 honed his appreciation for partnership, but his current life with Meg—filled with church activities, outdoor adventures, and quiet evenings—embodies the enduring legacy of his parents and siblings. As he steps into Congress, Van Epps carries this familial compass, a testament to the ordinary roots fueling extraordinary leadership.
