Tennessee Special Election Tests GOP Grip on Key House Seat as Van Epps, Behn Make Final Push

FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Republican Matt Van Epps expressed confidence Tuesday that voters would deliver a strong victory in the special election for Tennessee's 7th Congressional District, a race that has drawn intense national scrutiny as a potential early indicator of voter sentiment ahead of the 2026 midterms.

"We're getting incredible reports back all across the district," Van Epps, a combat veteran and former Tennessee Department of General Services commissioner, said after greeting supporters outside a polling station in Franklin. "Great turnout for us. We were up in early voting, and we're just going to keep pressing forward to win today."

Van Epps faces Democratic state Rep. Aftyn Behn in the contest to replace former Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn., who resigned in July to join a private-sector defense firm after helping pass President Donald Trump's sweeping "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." The district, stretching across 14 counties from near the Kentucky border to Alabama and including parts of Nashville, is a Republican stronghold where Trump won by 22 points in 2024 and Green by more than 20 points in his last two elections.

With Republicans holding a slim 220-215 House majority — including several vacancies from other special elections — the seat is critical to maintaining control. Democrats, buoyed by recent gubernatorial wins in New Jersey and Virginia, have poured resources into the race, viewing it as a chance to flip a reliably red district amid frustrations over inflation and health care costs.

A late Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey showed Van Epps leading Behn 48%-46%, with 5% undecided and 2% backing independents — a margin within the poll's margin of error and far narrower than historical GOP margins here. Early voting, which ended Monday, favored Behn among younger voters and those under 40, while Van Epps led among seniors and Election Day voters. Polls close at 8 p.m. ET, with results expected shortly after.

"A win is a win," Van Epps said when asked about the margin he needed, adding that a strong showing would help "hold the majority in '26." He has campaigned on lowering costs, creating jobs and opposing "career politicians," while allies have highlighted Behn's past support for defunding the police — comments she says reflect her evolution as a lawmaker focused on local funding decisions.

Behn, 36, a former health care organizer elected to the state House in a 2023 special election and dubbed the "AOC of the South" for her progressive stance, told supporters at a Nashville Democratic office that the campaign had already succeeded by inspiring voters nationwide. "Whatever happens, win or lose, you've inspired a country. You've shown people the South has something to say," she said. Speaking to reporters, Behn added: "We've already won over the hearts and minds of so many Tennesseans and across the country. What starts here changes this country." Her platform emphasizes affordable health care, eliminating Tennessee's grocery tax and protecting small businesses from tariffs.

The race has seen over $10 million in outside spending, with the Democratic and Republican national committees dispatching staff and ads blanketing the airwaves. On Election Eve, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., spent the day with Van Epps at rallies across the district, joined by Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters. "We're going to win this seat, but we cannot take anything for granted," Johnson told reporters. "Special elections are strange ... Nothing's automatic." He urged turnout among low-propensity Trump voters, noting: "We need everybody to turn out."

Trump called into an early rally on speakerphone, urging a "sweeping victory" and warning that the world was watching: "It's got to show that the Republican Party is stronger than it's ever been." He later joined Van Epps for a tele-rally, where he mocked Behn as "anti-Christian and anti-country music." Behn fired back on social media: "I'm living rent-free in the president's mind ... You're the leader of the free world and you're beefing with a 5-foot-4 blond?"

Van Epps drew support from GOP Gov. Bill Lee, Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty, and other Tennessee Republicans, including primary rivals. Behn's Election Eve virtual rally featured Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.; outgoing Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash.; Black Voters Matter co-founder LaTosha Brown; and Tennessee native Al Gore. Former Vice President Kamala Harris and DNC Chair Ken Martin canvassed for her last month.

Behn's team reported knocking on 70,000 doors and making 185,000 calls, emphasizing her community ties: "The reason this race is competitive is because I've been at community gatherings, potlucks, funerals, weddings." Van Epps countered that momentum was building, citing endorsements from over 50 local leaders and 10 events with Johnson the day before.

Four independents — Teresa "Terri" Christie, Bobby Dodge, Robert James Sutherby and Jonathan Thorp — are also on the ballot but have polled minimally. The winner will serve through January 2027. This marks the sixth congressional special election of 2025, following contests in Florida, Virginia, Arizona and Texas.

--REAL AMERICA'S VOICE

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