Trump pleads with MAGA voters to halt Special Election Blue Wave

Republicans are working to prevent an unexpected loss in a special election on Tuesday in a district previously won by Donald Trump by 22 points. Voters are heading to the polls in Tennessees 7th congressional district, which includes Nashville. While the race leans Republican, closer-than-anticipated polling has heightened concerns within the party.

The outcome could serve as a major indicator for next years midterm elections and has immediate implications for the House, where Republicans maintain a slim majority.

Candidates

Democratic state Representative Aftyn Behn is contesting the election to fill the seat left vacant by former GOP Representative Mark Green. Behn is being challenged by Republican Matt Van Epps, a former state commissioner. Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson have actively campaigned for Van Epps, aiming to avoid a significant setback for the GOP.

Trump posted on Truth Social urging supporters: I am asking all America First Patriots in Tennessees 7th Congressional District to please GET OUT AND VOTE for a phenomenal Candidate and MAGA Warrior, Matt Van Epps! He contrasted Van Epps with Behn, highlighting Epps connection to Christianity and country music.

Campaign Activity

On Monday, House Speaker Johnson joined a get-out-the-vote event in Tennessee for Van Epps, standing in a local restaurant and connecting with Trump via phone. Trump expressed his enthusiasm for the district, saying, Tennessee just loves me because we won by the biggest margins anybodys ever won by.

Republicans have criticized Behn for a past remark allegedly made on a podcast in 2020, where she commented negatively on Nashville and country music. Behns campaign manager responded, calling Republican attacks a distraction from the fact that Washington Republicans and Matt Van Epps are raising costs on Tennessee families and jeopardizing health care.

Race Dynamics

Despite the districts conservative history, the race is unexpectedly close. Democratic strategists argue that even narrowing the gap in a traditionally Republican stronghold could indicate more competitive districts next year. Behn has received backing from a broad range of Democrats, campaigning on issues including health care, affordability, and ending corruption. She participated in a virtual rally alongside Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, former Vice President Al Gore, and Representative Pramila Jayapal.

Republicans have labeled Behn as radical and attempted to link her to proposed tax increases, promoting Trumps recent tax legislation. Democrats, in turn, have criticized Van Epps for his stance on health care amid rising premiums, highlighting the lack of solutions from the Republican-controlled Congress. Both parties have invested heavily in a contest that was originally expected to be non-competitive.

Author: Sophia Brooks