Rep. Mark Green, a prominent Republican from Tennessee and chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, announced on June 9, 2025, that he will resign from Congress following the House's next vote on President Donald Trump's sweeping reconciliation bill. Green, who has served Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District since 2018, revealed that he has accepted an enticing opportunity in the private sector, prompting his decision to step down.
In a statement obtained by multiple news outlets including Fox News Digital and Reuters, Green expressed mixed emotions about his departure. “It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from Congress. Recently, I was offered an opportunity in the private sector that was too exciting to pass up,” he said, adding that he had already informed House Speaker Mike Johnson of his plans to resign once the legislative package currently under Senate consideration passes the House again.
Green’s resignation marks a significant moment in the current Congress, as it will reduce the Republican majority in the House to a slim margin of 219-212. This narrow lead means Speaker Johnson will have very little room for error, able to lose only up to three Republican votes on any legislation for it to pass. The House has seen considerable turnover recently, with several retirements and deaths, including Democratic Reps. Gerry Connolly, Raul Grijalva, and Sylvester Turner, as well as Republican Mike Waltz’s resignation earlier in the year to join the Trump administration.
Representing a safe Republican district that covers middle and western Tennessee, including parts of Nashville, Green has been a steadfast conservative voice. He won re-election in November 2024 with nearly 60% of the vote, underscoring his strong support among constituents. His district had also favored President Trump by more than 20 percentage points over former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
Green, an Army veteran and former medic who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, was first elected to Congress in 2018. Over his tenure, he became known for his leadership on homeland security issues, particularly as chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee. In this role, he played a pivotal part in overseeing the Republicans’ impeachment proceedings against former Biden administration Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas in early 2024, although the effort ultimately fell short on the House floor.
Reflecting on his service, Green described representing Tennessee’s 7th District as “the honor of a lifetime.” He highlighted key accomplishments during his time in office, including passing historic tax cuts, supporting President Trump’s border security initiatives, and defending conservative values. Notably, he reversed an earlier decision to retire at the end of the previous Congress, choosing instead to remain in office to ensure the border security provisions in the reconciliation bill were successfully shepherded through the House.
“Though I planned to retire at the end of the previous Congress, I stayed to ensure that President Trump’s border security measures and priorities make it through Congress,” Green said. “By overseeing the border security portion of the reconciliation package, I have done that. After that, I will retire, and there will be a special election to replace me.”
Under Tennessee law, Governor Bill Lee is required to call a special election within 10 days of Green’s resignation. The process includes scheduling primary elections within 55 to 60 days and a general election within 100 to 107 days following the resignation, setting the stage for a swift transition to fill the vacant seat.
While Green did not specify the nature of his new private-sector role, political observers anticipate his House seat will remain in Republican hands given the district’s strong conservative leanings. Republican leaders are eager to finalize consideration of Trump’s massive agenda bill by the Fourth of July or shortly thereafter. The bill, which passed the House narrowly by a 215-214 vote, is currently under Senate review, where significant amendments are expected before it returns to the House for final approval.
Green’s departure comes at a critical juncture in Congress, as the Republican majority faces challenges in maintaining cohesion amid a slim margin and ongoing legislative battles. His leadership on homeland security and border issues has been a defining feature of his congressional career, and his exit signals a notable change for the GOP’s ranks.
As the House prepares for the special election to fill Green’s seat, the political spotlight will intensify on Tennessee’s 7th District, a bellwether for conservative strength in the region. Meanwhile, the reconciliation bill remains a central focus for lawmakers, promising to shape the domestic policy landscape significantly in the months ahead.
Mark Green’s tenure in Congress, marked by military service, staunch conservatism, and leadership during contentious political moments, leaves a lasting imprint on Tennessee and the broader national discourse. His decision to step away as the House navigates pivotal votes underscores the evolving dynamics within Capitol Hill as new chapters unfold.
