Mark Green, who has represented Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District since 2018, announced his resignation effective July 20. His leaving opens up another large unknown for House Speaker Mike Johnson. The new Republican majority in the House of Representatives is down to just 219-212. Green’s decision to step away from his role may complicate the passage of legislation within the already tight margins of the chamber.
Elected in 2018, Green filled the seat of now-Senator Marsha Blackburn, and soon established a reputation as one of the most outspoken members of Congress. During his time in office, he served as the voice of a deep red district. In a video posted on X, Green expressed his gratitude to his constituents, stating, “To my constituents across Tennessee’s 7th District—thank you. The trust you put in me is humbling. I will look back fondly on my years of serving as your voice in Washington.”
Just days later, on June 20, Green announced his plans to retire. He teased upcoming efforts to make America more competitive with the Chinese Communist Party in business. He stated, “While I cannot give the details here, I will be doing something specifically designed to help America compete against the CCP.”
Green’s resignation shines a light on the continued turnover among lawmakers this Congress. This turn of events is causing instability and lack of continuity in the Republican majority. New House Speaker Mike Johnson, meanwhile, is facing his first cascade of problems holding votes together for controversial legislation. Losing Green’s seat would promptly produce a major early hurdle for him.
The special election to fill Green’s seat will get underway anytime soon, since his deeply red district is still very much in Republican hands. His departure is indicative of larger trends on Capitol Hill, where turnover is increasingly common in a rapidly changing political landscape.