Republican Van Epps emerges victorious in special election for Tennessee's 7th District

Republican U.S. Army veteran Matt Van Epps has won Tennessees special election for the 7th Congressional District, overcoming a surprisingly close challenge from Democrat Aftyn Behn. This win strengthens the narrowly held GOP majority in the House. Major news outlets projected Van Epps victory shortly before 8:30 p.m. on December 2.

Despite being out-fundraised by Behn, Van Epps campaign benefited from an early endorsement by former President Donald Trump, significant outside spending exceeding $6 million from political action committees, and grassroots support from the Republican National Committee.

Behns campaign, while unsuccessful, demonstrated the effectiveness of Democrats grassroots strategy in the South, narrowing the margin in a district that had been expected to be an easy Republican hold. This election marked the final major contest of 2025, following a series of Democratic wins earlier in the year.

The race was held to fill the seat vacated by U.S. Rep. Mark Green, who retired to pursue a position in the private sector. It was Tennessees first special congressional election in more than forty years.

Campaign Dynamics

Traditionally, Republican primaries in Tennessee decide the outcome, but this general election proved unexpectedly competitive. Behn, a skilled grassroots organizer, focused her platform on the affordability crisis and mobilized volunteers in neighborhoods often overlooked in previous congressional campaigns. High-profile Democratic figures, including DNC Chair Ken Martin, Vice Chair Jane Kleeb, and former Vice President Kamala Harris, actively campaigned to boost voter engagement.

Polling in the final days indicated a tight race, with the district, previously a 22-point Republican stronghold, now showing just a two-point gap between Behn and Van Epps. National Republicans responded with increased voter mobilization efforts. Trumps PAC, MAGA Inc., invested over $1.25 million in support of Van Epps. House Speaker Mike Johnson and RNC Chair Joe Gruters campaigned locally, and Trump held a final tele-rally hours before polls opened.

Although Behn out-fundraised Van Epps, bringing in $1.23 million compared to Van Epps $993,000, the Republican candidate benefited from approximately $6 million in external PAC spending, versus over $1 million backing Behn.

Voter Turnout and Weather Challenges

The special election outcome was influenced heavily by voter turnout, with freezing temperatures and icy conditions potentially keeping some voters home. The race became an early measure of public opinion on Trumps second administration. Van Epps campaign emphasized loyalty to Trump, promising to work alongside Speaker Johnson to advance the former presidents agenda, which secured him Trumps endorsement early on.

Key Issues and Voter Concerns

Voter frustration over the federal government shutdown, which disrupted pay for federal employees, air travel, and food aid, and ongoing debates over health care costs were central to the election. Behn focused her campaign on lowering costs for essentials such as groceries, housing, and health care. Her team knocked on 70,000 doors and made 185,000 phone calls, emphasizing grassroots engagement.

National Implications

Both parties viewed this contest as a bellwether for the 2026 midterms. Trump noted that analysts would interpret the results as a reflection of his administrations popularity, with even small differences in performance potentially scrutinized as an indicator of voter satisfaction.

Democrats had built momentum from recent wins in New Jersey, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Georgia, aiming to continue the trend by contesting Tennessees 7th District. Republicans, describing the Democratic wave as a blue tidal wave, sought to halt the momentum and preserve their House majority.

Reporter Vivian Jones covers state politics for The Tennessean. Contact: vjones@tennessean.com.

Author: Sophia Brooks