Trump-Backed Matt Van Epps Wins Tennessee House Race/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Republican Matt Van Epps secured victory in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, keeping the seat red with strong backing from Donald Trump. Although the GOP retained the district, the reduced margin of victory gave Democrats renewed hope for 2026. Democrat Aftyn Behn energized progressive voters and narrowed the gap in a deeply Republican area.
Tennessee Special Election Quick Looks
- Republican Matt Van Epps wins U.S. House special election in Tennessee
- Trump-backed candidate wins by 9 points in a district Trump carried by 22
- Democrat Aftyn Behn energizes progressives and narrows GOP margin
- MAGA Inc. spent nearly $1.7M supporting Van Epps
- Democrats see close race as sign of momentum for 2026
- Van Epps strongly aligned with Trump’s agenda throughout campaign
- National Republican and Democratic figures rallied in Tennessee ahead of vote
- Redrawn district boundaries played a major role in election dynamics
Deep Look: Trump-Backed Republican Matt Van Epps Wins Closely Watched Tennessee House Race
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Republican Matt Van Epps clinched a critical win in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District Tuesday, securing the seat for the GOP in a closely watched special election that drew national attention. Though Van Epps retained the conservative seat, the narrower-than-expected margin of victory energized Democrats who view the result as a sign of shifting momentum heading into the 2026 midterms.
A military veteran and former state commissioner from Nashville, Van Epps defeated progressive Democratic state Rep. Aftyn Behn by approximately 9 percentage points — a significant drop from the 21-point Republican victory margin just one year ago. Former President Donald Trump, who endorsed Van Epps during the primary, played a major role in boosting turnout and funding for the campaign.
“Politicians who run from the president or abandon the common-sense policies that the American people gave us a resounding mandate on do so at their own peril,” Van Epps declared at his victory celebration. “This is President Trump’s party, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Margin of Victory Draws Attention
While Republicans succeeded in holding the seat, the 9-point victory in a district Trump won by 22 points signals potential challenges for the GOP. Democratic challenger Aftyn Behn outperformed expectations, especially in Davidson County (home to Nashville), which turned out heavily for her and helped slash the GOP lead.
At her campaign event, Behn remained upbeat, declaring the race a launching point for change. “Tonight isn’t the end,” she said. “It is the beginning of a next chapter of Tennessee and American politics — one of possibility, one of power, and one of progress.”
High Stakes and Big Money
Van Epps benefited from nearly $1.7 million in backing from MAGA Inc., Trump’s political action committee. Almost half of that spending was poured into digital ads, with a focus on video streaming platforms. The group’s involvement marked its first campaign spending since the 2024 presidential election, reflecting how significant Republicans considered the race.
The campaign also saw appearances and support from high-profile GOP figures including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republican National Chair Joe Gruters. Trump himself addressed voters in Tennessee by phone during a rally and later hosted a tele-rally for Van Epps, further cementing his support.
Democrats, meanwhile, received backing from the House Majority PAC, which invested $1 million into Behn’s campaign. Behn also received help from Democratic leaders like DNC Chair Ken Martin, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and former Vice President Al Gore, who joined a virtual rally on the eve of the election. Vice President Kamala Harris helped launch Behn’s canvassing efforts during a visit to Nashville.
Redistricting and Voter Sentiment
The 7th District, redrawn in 2022 by Republican lawmakers to make it more difficult for Democrats to win, spans 14 counties. Only about 20% of voters live in Davidson County, limiting Behn’s ability to rely solely on urban votes.
Van Epps embraced Trumpism unapologetically throughout the race, aligning himself with the former president’s policies and campaign rhetoric. During a recent tele-rally, he assured Trump: “I will have your back 100%.”
Behn, for her part, ran a bold progressive campaign focused on economic justice, workers’ rights, and criticism of Trump-era tax and spending policies — which Van Epps supports. She energized younger and left-leaning voters with her unapologetic platform, including moments like singing Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” in a rhinestone western suit on election night.
However, Republicans used some of Behn’s past comments in campaign ads, painting her as “radical” and anti-tourism — particularly damaging in Nashville, a hub for Tennessee’s tourism economy.
A Bellwether for 2026?
Democratic Party officials are calling the reduced margin a warning sign for Republicans.
“What happened tonight in Tennessee makes it clear: Democrats are on offense and Republicans are on the ropes,” said DNC Chair Ken Martin. The special election, he added, suggests that even traditionally safe GOP districts are now competitive.
Republican strategist Chip Saltsman acknowledged the tight race forced the party to take organizing seriously. “In Tennessee, it’s been a long time since we thought about beating Democrats,” he said. “This time, we had to pay attention.”
While the outcome maintains Republican control, it also underscores a national trend: Democratic turnout and engagement are rising in areas previously considered unwinnable. With Trump expected to remain a dominant political figure through the next election cycle, both parties are recalibrating strategies ahead of 2026.
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