Republican Matt Van Epps retains control of deep-red House district in Tennessee special election

Republican Matt Van Epps has claimed victory in a fiercely contested special election for Tennessees 7th Congressional District, NBC News projects, fending off Democratic challenger Aftyn Behn in a seat long dominated by the GOP.

Despite President Donald Trump winning the district by 22 points in 2024, Republican super PACs invested millions to protect the seat. Democrats countered with substantial spending to flip the district, motivated by recent Democratic gains in November elections in states like New Jersey and Virginia. Ultimately, the district remained in Republican hands.

Van Epps, an Army veteran and former state official, campaigned on staunch MAGA principles and pledged to continue the legacy of Mark Green, the Republican who resigned earlier this year. Democrats, however, managed to narrow the GOP margin significantly compared to last year. With most votes counted, Van Epps held a 9-point lead.

The election highlighted a trend of Democrats improving performance compared to 2024 results. Behn led early voters, but Van Epps secured the win through Election Day turnout, indicating that Republican mobilization efforts were effective.

Celebrating the victory, Trump posted on Truth Social: Congratulations to Matt Van Epps on his BIG Congressional WIN in the Great State of Tennessee. The Radical Left Democrats threw everything at him, including Millions of Dollars. Another great night for the Republican Party!!! President DJT.

RNC Chairman Joe Gruters stated, Voters didnt just reject Aftyn Behn and her anti-Tennessee, abolish-the-police agenda they rejected the Democrats entire radical platform.

Democrats, meanwhile, viewed Behns performance as encouraging ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. DNC Chairman Ken Martin described the outcome as a historic overperformance and a warning for Republicans, noting, What happened tonight in Tennessee makes it clear: Democrats are on offense and Republicans are on the ropes.

Both parties had heavily invested in the district. Former Vice President Kamala Harris and DNC Chair Ken Martin campaigned with Behn, while Trump held tele-rallies for Van Epps. House Speaker Mike Johnson joined Van Epps on the campaign trail in Franklin, Tennessee, expressing cautious optimism about the outcome.

Van Epps emphasized issues such as security, economic opportunity, and prosperity. He praised Mark Greens work on border security and focused on the rising cost of living, criticizing career politicians for reckless spending.

Republican groups spent over $3.5 million on advertisements against Behn, with MAGA Inc., a Trump-aligned super PAC, contributing more than $1.7 million since mid-November. Efforts targeted Behns record and statements, portraying her as radical and disconnected from Nashville.

Democrats responded with TV, radio, and online ads, with the House Democrats primary super PAC spending over $800,000 and Behns campaign contributing more than $1 million. Ads criticized Van Epps for his stance on a bill releasing files from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, which Trump later signed into law.

Van Epps, a Tennessee Army National Guard colonel, plans to maintain his military commission while serving in Congress. He expressed interest in joining the House Armed Services Committee, leveraging his military background to contribute where needed by House Republicans.

Author: Sophia Brooks