Republican Matt Van Epps Wins Tennessee Special Election by Narrow Margin
WASHINGTON — Republican Matt Van Epps narrowly defeated Democrat Aftyn Behn in a special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, officials said Tuesday. Van Epps won by nine points in a district that President Trump carried by more than 20 points in 2024 and that has not elected a Democrat to Congress in over 40 years.
Despite significant Republican investment, including millions of dollars in outside spending and direct involvement from Speaker Mike Johnson and former President Trump, the race showed a notable shift toward Democrats. The results represent a 13-point swing compared to the 2024 election, signaling increased Democratic competitiveness in a traditionally solidly Republican district.
Republican Rep. Tim Burchett described the close outcome as surprising given the district’s history, noting that the special election “shouldn’t be this close.” The GOP deployed strong messaging against Behn, labeling her an “anti-Tennessee radical progressive” and criticizing her stance on policing, yet Van Epps only narrowly secured victory.
Van Epps was sworn in as the 220th Republican member of the House of Representatives on December 4, 2025. The win maintains the GOP’s slim majority in the House, though the departure of Rep. Mark Green, who previously held the seat and chaired the House Homeland Security Committee, contributed to the vacancy.
Democrats have shown improved performance in off-year elections throughout 2025, with Behn’s 13-point gain reflecting a broader trend of Democratic overperformance in 220 out of 248 races compared to the previous year. This shift has raised concerns among Republicans about their prospects in the 2026 midterm elections.
The special election outcome serves as a warning for the Republican Party as it prepares for next year’s congressional contests, highlighting potential vulnerabilities even in districts long considered safe. Analysts and party officials are closely examining the implications of the Tennessee race for the broader political landscape.
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