Voters in Tennessee’s 7th congressional district head to the polls Tuesday for a special election between Republican Matt Van Epps and Democrat Aftyn Behn. The race is being seen as a direct test of support for former President Donald Trump, following his intervention.
The candidates are seeking to replace retiring Representative Mark Green (R-TN). This seat was won by a margin nearly 22 points for the GOP in last year’s election before Green stepped down.
Trump made no secret of his backing. In an audio statement released Monday, he urged supporters enthusiastically: “I am asking all America First Patriots… to please GET OUT AND VOTE for Matt Van Epps! You can win this Election for Matt, who has my Complete and Total Endorsement.” He added, “HE WILL BE A GREAT CONGRESSMAN.”
Trump also emphasized that Behn opposes his core agenda: “his opponent is total lunatic who supports ‘police abolition’ and every other woke word salad you can imagine.” The district’s status as a deep-red area gave Van Epps an expected advantage.
The election matters beyond just filling one seat. A victory for the Republican candidate could strengthen their narrow majority in the House, while a Democratic win would mark a significant upset after years of GOP dominance and align with broader trends Democrats see ahead of midterms later this year.
Outside groups heavily funded both sides leading up to Election Day. High-profile figures including former Vice President Kamala Harris, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and presidential hopeful Donald Trump Jr., visited the district or used public platforms to push voters toward one side or the other.
Trump’s call via phone with Johnson amplifying his message highlighted how even prominent Republicans are seen by Democrats as hindering efforts. Al Gore, whose remarks in support of Behn were described as a “referendum” on Trumpism, noted: “Tomorrow is the special congressional election for district 7, so get out and vote… your opponent is total lunatic.”
Van Epps’s campaign stressed his military background while Behn highlighted affordability issues. Voter enthusiasm appears polarized along these lines.
The outcome Tuesday will be watched closely as a potential bellwether for future elections in traditionally conservative states where political dynamics are shifting rapidly.