Key Things to Look Out for in Tennessee's Special Election Today

Washington Voters in central Tennessee are heading to the polls this Tuesday for the final electoral contest of 2025, a race that many see as a potential measure of President Trumps influence. The contest pits Republican Matt Van Epps, a combat veteran, against Democrat Aftyn Behn, a Tennessee state representative, for the 7th Congressional District seat, vacated by former GOP Rep. Mark Green, who resigned in July.

Green had represented the district, which spans from sections of Nashville to the borders with Kentucky and Alabama and includes numerous rural counties, since 2019. He secured his most recent victory by over 20 points. Although the district is traditionally considered a Republican stronghold, recent polling indicates a tighter race than expected, with some surveys showing a single-digit gap.

Outside groups have injected millions of dollars into the campaign, while prominent party figures from both sides have actively campaigned for the candidates. Despite the uphill battle for Democrats in this heavily Republican district, observers are closely monitoring whether the margin remains narrow, which could signal trends for next years elections.

The results of this special election are widely seen as an indicator of next years midterms, particularly as Democrats point to a series of recent successes. Historically, the party occupying the White House often loses seats in midterm elections. This Tennessee race follows Democratic overperformance in September special elections and victories in November contests, suggesting potential shifts in voter sentiment after difficult 2024 outcomes for the party.

In recent months, Democrats Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill secured wins in gubernatorial contests in Virginia and New Jersey, while Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, won the mayoral race in New York City. Even a narrow loss for Democrats in Tennessee could reinforce the perception of growing momentum heading into the midterms.

This special election has attracted national attention, with substantial outside spending and visits from top party leaders. House Speaker Mike Johnson campaigned for Van Epps, portraying the race as a choice between the GOP fulfilling its promises and Democrats pushing a radical agenda. During the campaign, President Trump also addressed supporters, emphasizing the importance of winning the seat to demonstrate Republican strength.

On the Democratic side, former Vice President Al Gore and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez participated in a phone rally supporting Behn. Gore highlighted recent bipartisan and independent victories, framing them as a response to Trumps influence, and called on Tennesseans to restore principles of decency and common sense.

Author: Sophia Brooks