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2d ago

Van Epps Holds Tennessee’s 7th District With 9-Point Special Election Win

The single-digit result in a Trump +22 seat is prompting both parties to reassess their 2026 House strategy.

Republican nominee Matt Van Epps heads to the stage to announce his victory in the Tennessee 7th Congressional District special election during his election night event at the Millenium Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. December 2, 2025. Andrew Nelles/USA Today Network via REUTERS.
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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 2: House of Representative-elect Republican Matt Van Epps delivers his victory speech at Millennium Hotel Maxwell House Nashville on December 2, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Tennessee's 7th district elected Republican Matt Van Epps in a special election to fill a House of Representatives seat vacated by the resignation of Republican Mark Green earlier this year. Van Epps defeated Democratic nominee Aftyn Behn. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
Demoratic state Rep. Aftyn Behn delivers a concession speech during an election-night watch party at Marathon Music Works on December 2, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Overview

  • Trump-backed Republican Matt Van Epps defeated Democrat Aftyn Behn about 54% to 45%, keeping the GOP majority at roughly 220–214.
  • The margin reflects an estimated 13-point shift toward Democrats compared with the district’s 2024 presidential result.
  • Turnout neared 180,000 votes, an unusually high level for a special election and comparable to the district’s 2022 midterm participation.
  • National intervention proved decisive, with Trump telerallies and MAGA Inc. spending alongside multimillion-dollar ad battles from both parties as Behn emphasized affordability.
  • The showing intensified GOP concerns over retirements and the durability of gerrymandered seats, while Democrats debated whether a more moderate nominee could have made further gains in suburban counties.