In less than a month after Democrats had a strong showing in the November 4 elections, they face a new challenge in a special election in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. This district, usually seen as a Republican stronghold, will see House Republicans and Democrats vying for the seat left vacant by Mark Green, who resigned in July.
Republican Matt Van Epps, a West Point graduate and former Army helicopter pilot, hopes to maintain the GOP’s narrow 219-213 majority. He has strong backing from notable figures like Donald Trump and formerly served as head of the Tennessee Department of General Services. On the other side, Democrat Aftyn Behn, a recent state representative with a progressive background, aims to pull off an upset. Both candidates emerged from competitive primaries, with Behn notably being called “our very own AOC of TN” by some supporters.
This election is crucial for both parties as it comes just before the 2026 midterms. Recent data reveals that the 7th District has been predominantly Republican for over a decade. In the last two elections, Republicans won with around 60% of the vote, but the dynamic has shifted slightly with changes to the district lines in 2022.
National attention is on this race, with both Van Epps and Behn attracting significant campaign funding. As of mid-November, Van Epps raised over $590,000, while Behn brought in approximately $1 million. The candidates’ financial pull shows the stakes involved and the Democratic Party’s push to retain momentum from recent victories.
Early voting has already seen considerable participation, with nearly 84,000 ballots cast before the election. Voter turnout in the 2024 general election was about 69%, compared to 41% in the 2022 midterms. The special election will be closely watched as it reflects shifting voter sentiment and the ongoing political landscape in the U.S.
Polls close at 7 p.m. local time in the Central Time Zone, and results will be reported shortly after. This race not only holds significance for Tennessee but also sets the tone for the upcoming elections across the country.
