NASHVILLE, TN — Republican Matt Van Epps won Tuesday’s special election in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, defeating Democratic state Rep. Aftyn Behn with 53.9% of the vote, a margin of just over 15,000 ballots. The race, triggered by former Rep. Mark Green’s July resignation, drew heavy national investment from both parties and near–midterm-level turnout.
The district, which President Donald Trump carried by 22 points in 2024, was widely expected to remain Republican. But polling in the final weeks prompted major spending and appearances from national figures. GOP-aligned groups poured in more than $3.5 million, led by MAGA Inc. ($1.7 million), Club for Growth ($473,000) and Conservatives for American Excellence Inc. ($767,000). Trump joined multiple telerallies, and House Speaker Mike Johnson campaigned in the district Monday.
Democrats invested heavily as well. House Majority PAC spent roughly $1 million, while groups including Tennessee Rise PAC, Planned Parenthood Votes, and Indivisible Action boosted Behn. Democratic leaders framed the single-digit loss as evidence of improving party strength ahead of 2026, noting Behn substantially narrowed the usual GOP margin.
Van Epps, a West Point graduate and former Army helicopter pilot, aligned closely with Trump’s agenda and emphasized immigration and public safety. He previously served in Gov. Bill Lee’s administration and won a crowded GOP primary in October with Trump’s endorsement.
Once sworn in, Van Epps will raise the House GOP caucus to 220 seats, though upcoming special elections in Texas and New Jersey could shift the margin.
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