Overview
- The special election to fill Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District is set for December 2, with early voting running November 12–26, according to the state.
- The race features Democrat Aftyn Behn, a state legislator, against Republican Matt Van Epps, a veteran, for the seat vacated in July by Representative Mark Green.
- Recent surveys show a closer-than-expected contest, including an Impact Social poll at 52–44 for Van Epps and a Behn internal finding the candidates tied among the most motivated voters.
- The district is rated R+10 by Cook Political Report, and Sabato’s Crystal Ball lists the contest as Likely Republican despite heightened attention.
- National and outside activity is ramping up, with DNC Chair Ken Martin campaigning in Nashville and reports of GOP-aligned dark-money advertising, while grassroots fundraising for Behn is accelerating.