The Tennessee special election in the 7th Congressional District on December 2, 2025, has drawn national attention as Republicans defend a deep-red stronghold vacated by Rep. Mark Green. Trump-backed GOP nominee Matt Van Epps faces Democrat Aftyn Behn in a race that has seen over $6 million in spending, despite Trump winning the district by 22 points in 2024.
Background on the Tennessee Special Election
Green resigned July 20, 2025, for a private sector role after supporting the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The Tennessee special election fills the remainder of the 119th Congress term through January 3, 2027. Primaries on October 7 saw Van Epps (51.56%) dominate Republicans, while Behn (27.89%) edged a crowded Democratic field including Bo Mitchell and Darden Copeland.
The district (Cook PVI R+10), spanning Nashville suburbs and rural Middle Tennessee, remains Republican turf. Yet Democrats eye an upset, citing 2025 special election overperformance (+16 points vs. 2024 margins) and lower post-Thanksgiving turnout potentially favoring their base.
🚨SPECIAL ELECTION ALERT🚨
Tennessee, get out & vote for Republican Matt Van Epps on
🗓️Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025.
If you want to keep the House, then get everyone you know out to vote.
This will be a very low turnout election.
📍Tennessee pic.twitter.com/qkau6WxwhX— ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) November 26, 2025
Key Candidates in Tennessee Special Election
Republican Matt Van Epps, Gov. Bill Lee’s former cabinet member and Army veteran, campaigns on “security, opportunity, prosperity.” He pledges to extend Green’s Trump-era border work, cut healthcare premiums, and combat inflation. Super PACs highlight Behn’s “radical” past quotes and “hates Nashville” clip to suppress GOP apathy.
Democrat Aftyn Behn, state Rep. from District 51, focuses on “fixing roads, feeding kids, funding hospitals.” She portrays Van Epps as beholden to D.C. insiders, citing his Epstein files vote opposition. Behn dismisses attacks as desperate, emphasizing her decade improving Nashville affordability.
TENNESSEE DEMOCRATS: LFG!!
🚨 JUST IN: Tennessee's 7th Congressional District special election poll- Emerson
🔴Matt Van Epps 49.4%
🔵Aftyn Behn 47.0%
👀👀👀Trump+22 district 👀👀👀
TN Dems, you can pull off the upset of the century! Get out there & VOTEpic.twitter.com/w52DgHdogi— BigBlueWaveUSA2026® 🇺🇸🌊🇺🇦 (@BigBlueWaveUSA) November 26, 2025
Polls and Heavy Spending in Tennessee Special Election
Recent polls show a tight Tennessee special election: Emerson (Nov 22-24) has Van Epps 49%, Behn 47%; Impact Research (D) 52% Behn; Workbench (D) 51-52% Behn. Gender splits (men +9 Van Epps, women +6 Behn) and turnout dynamics (early voters lean Behn, Election Day Van Epps) could decide it.
AdImpact tracks $6M+ spent since primaries: GOP super PACs $3M+, Democrats $2M+. Trump tele-rallied Van Epps; Harris and DNC Chair Ken Martin canvassed with Behn.
Why This Tennessee Special Election Matters Nationally
The Tennessee special election tests GOP House control amid Trump’s dipping approval and Democrats’ 2025 momentum. Republicans fear base complacency in safe seats; NRCC Chair Richard Hudson predicted Van Epps victory in closed-door caucus. A Behn win flips a +21 Green district, signaling 2026 midterm vulnerabilities.
Early voting (Nov 12-26) ended favorably for Democrats; polls close 8 p.m. ET. Economy tops voter concerns (38%), followed by housing (15%), healthcare (13%).
Voter Turnout and Final Push
Post-Thanksgiving timing risks low turnout, but Trump urged votes on Truth Social against “radical” Behn. Van Epps leverages military ties in veteran-heavy areas; Behn mobilizes young women and urban voters via TikTok-style videos.
This Tennessee special election previews national trends: affordability backlash, Trump loyalty tests, and special election surprises. Results could reshape House dynamics through 2026 midterms.