Overview
- Early voting opened Nov. 12 for the Dec. 2 special election, which falls the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and is expected to face turnout challenges.
- Recent coverage cites polling that places Democrat Aftyn Behn roughly 8–10 points behind Republican Matt Van Epps.
- Cook Political Report shifted its rating from solid Republican to likely Republican, signaling a narrowed but still GOP-leaning contest.
- President Donald Trump endorsed Van Epps and headlined a tele-rally, with additional backing from Rep. Jim Jordan and outgoing Rep. Mark Green.
- The DNC is mobilizing volunteers and sending Chair Ken Martin to campaign, while the RNC says it is making a six-figure commitment to the race.