This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
U.S. Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn., is now officially gone from the House of Representatives as Sunday was his last day on the job, leaving 219 Republicans and 212 Democrats in the chamber.
In June, Green announced he would be leaving the House, saying: "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."
"As a result, today I notified the Speaker and the House of Representatives that I will resign from Congress as soon as the House votes once again on the reconciliation package."
Journalist Nick Sortor noted: "He just ran for re-election months ago, and is now resigning because he wants a different job. These people are incredibly selfish. We need a STAUNCH MAGA Republican in this seat!"
Green called serving the Volunteer State's 7th congressional district "the honor of a lifetime."
"They asked me to deliver on the conservative values and principles we all hold dear, and I did my level best to do so. Along the way, we passed historic tax cuts, worked with President Trump to secure the border, and defended innocent life. I am extremely proud of my work as chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, and want to thank my staff, both in my 7th District office, as well as the professional staff on that committee," Green said.
The Republican also noted he had previously prepared to depart in the last Congress, but then changed his mind.
"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," he explained.
"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."
Green last week endorsed Matt Van Epps to replace him in the House, telling Fox News Digital: "Matt Van Epps has my complete and total endorsement."
He revealed he served in the same U.S. Army special operations unit as Van Epps, which he called "a brotherhood that cannot be replicated anywhere else."
"Congressman Green has left some very large shoes to fill, but I'm ready to step in and continue his work on behalf of Tennesseans," Van Epps told Fox News.
Numerous Republicans have already tossed their hat into the ring for the congressional seat, including U.S. Army veteran Jonathan Thorp, Montgomery County Commissioner Jason Knight, Mason Foley of Main Street Health, and state Reps. Jay Reedy, Lee Reeves and Jody Barrett.
Fox News Digital noted: "Even with Green's departure from Congress, it's a safe bet to assume his House seat will stay in Republican hands.
"The district voted for Trump by more than 20 percentage points over former Vice President Kamala Harris last year."
