Republican Matt Van Epps emerges victorious in Tennessee special election for US House

Republican candidate Matt Van Epps has emerged victorious over Democrat Aftyn Behn in a highly watched congressional special election in the western suburbs of Nashville. The race had drawn national attention as a potential indicator of Republican strength heading into next years midterm elections. The Associated Press projected Van Eppss win at 9:47 a.m. EST, with him leading 52% to 46%.

In a statement following the results, Van Epps said, This contest was about more than one campaign. It marked a pivotal moment for Tennessee and the direction of our nation. He emphasized that his success reflected continued backing from conservative voters for former President Donald Trump, who had campaigned virtually in support of Van Epps during the final days. Aligning with Trump is how you win, Van Epps added. Our campaign thrived on the energy of Tennesseans ready for change, and the Presidents support played a key role. In Congress, I will continue to support his agenda.

Tennessees 7th Congressional District has historically been a Republican stronghold. Trump won the district by 15 points in 2020 and by 22 points in 2024. However, recent polling indicated a tighter race, with Behn closing in within a few points of Van Epps in the final stretch.

National Republican Congressional Committee chair Richard Hudson congratulated Van Epps, stating, He is well positioned to deliver results for Tennessee families, workers, and small businesses.

Despite the victory, the six-point margin highlights a shift in Republican dominance. Cook Political Report now categorizes the district as leans Republican, downgraded from reliably Republican, noting that Democrats inherent advantage in special elections this year will make this contest closer than expected.

Van Epps and Behn were competing to fill the seat vacated by Republican Mark Green, who resigned in July after passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to start a firm focused on competing with Chinese business interests in Guyana. The House currently has a narrow Republican majority of 219-213.

Van Epps, a West Point graduate and former Army helicopter pilot, won a crowded Republican primary of nine candidates. His campaign was bolstered by endorsements from Trump, Green, and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, under whom Van Epps had served as head of the state Department of General Services.

Behn, representing an east Nashville district in the Tennessee House since 2023, emerged from a competitive four-way Democratic primary. With a background in political organizing, social services, and community advocacy, she ran on a progressive platform. Democratic groups invested heavily in her campaign following recent unexpected Democratic victories in states such as Virginia and New Jersey, hoping for an upset.

Dave Wasserman of Cook Political Report noted that while the Republican candidate was expected to win, the race was likely to be close, reflecting both demographic and political shifts within the district, which spans rural areas from Kentucky to Alabama, as well as parts of Nashville and the city of Clarksville.

Author: Sophia Brooks