Republican Supported by Trump Wins Special Election by a Narrow Margin

Republican candidate Matt Van Epps edged out Democrat Aftyn Behn in Tuesday nights special election to represent Tennessees 7th Congressional District. NBC News projected Van Epps as the winner when he held 53.5 percent of the vote to Behns 45.5 percent with three-quarters of ballots counted.

The district, which has not elected a Democrat since 1983, became unexpectedly competitive after surveys indicated a dead heat ahead of Election Day. Democrats had aimed to build on last months strong national performance, which included flipping several deeply Republican districts and winning gubernatorial contests in New Jersey and Virginia.

Behn significantly outpaced Vice President Kamala Harriss 2024 performance in the area, narrowing what had once been a 20-point deficit. Still, Van Eppsbacked by former President Donald Trump and known for his prior service as Tennessees Department of General Services commissioner and as an Army helicopter pilotultimately prevailed over Behn, a state representative and former community organizer.

A poll released last week showed Van Epps holding a slim 48 to 46 percent lead, with a small fraction of voters supporting other candidates and five percent undecided. Conservative groups poured substantial funds into the contest, with right-wing super PACs alone spending $3.3 million against Behn, an unusually large investment for what is typically a reliably Republican seat.

The unexpectedly close race alarmed national GOP leaders. House Speaker Mike Johnson traveled to Tennessee to rally support for Van Epps, even placing a speakerphone call with Trump during an event. The former president urged voters to secure the seat, emphasizing upcoming tax legislation and criticizing Behn.

Despite Trumps low approval ratings, his involvement did not hinder Van Epps in the conservative district. Although the GOP preserved its slim majority in the House with this win, the narrow margin offers little reassurance for Republicans as they look ahead to the 2026 midterm elections.

Author: Sophia Brooks