Republican Strategist Identifies Ways Trump May Have Damaged Republicans in Tennessee

A seasoned GOP strategist expressed surprise on Tuesday over President Donald Trumps absence from in-person campaigning for Matt Van Epps, the Republican candidate in Tennessees special election to fill a vacant U.S. House seat. Trump used to enjoy political rallies. Im surprised he didnt appear here. Instead, he just phoned it in, Doug Heye said during an interview on CNN.

Following several Republican defeats in key races last month, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and RNC Chair Joe Gruters attended a Van Epps rally on Monday. Trump, who had largely stayed out of public events recently, addressed supporters by phone and later joined a tele-rally for Van Epps.

Van Epps, running in a district that supported Trump in last years election, has received more than $1 million from MAGA Inc., a super PAC aligned with the former president. According to an Emerson College poll conducted late last month, Van Epps led Democratic nominee Aftyn Behn by a narrow margin, 48% to 46%.

Heye, previously the RNC communications director, criticized Republicans outside of Johnson and the partys campaign arm for not fully committing to the race. If Trump had appeared in Tennessee and held a major rally, he could have claimed credit, should the Republicans win tonight, for bringing this race home, Heye noted.

He also warned that a tight election result could signal challenges for Republicans heading into next years midterms. Special elections dont dictate the outcomes a year later. We often overestimate their importance. But if the race is that close, it sends a strong warning, Heye said.

Author: Sophia Brooks