A special election in Tennessee’s 7th congressional district, a traditionally Republican stronghold, has unexpectedly become a focal point of national political attention, drawing significant involvement from both major parties and their key figures. What initially appeared to be a routine contest in a reliably red district has evolved into a high-stakes battle that could signal broader trends ahead of the 2024 midterm elections.
The election, scheduled for December 2, is the first federal race since the November 4 general elections, where Democrats scored notable victories, which many framed as a referendum on former President Donald Trump’s influence. Republican operatives and allies are now determined to change the narrative, investing heavily in the race and rallying Trump’s support to shore up their chances. Losing, or even underperforming in this deeply conservative district, would be seen as a sign of weakness, potentially emboldening Democrats as they seek to expand their foothold in the U.S. House of Representatives.
At the center of the Republican effort is Matt Van Epps, a former Army helicopter pilot with combat experience, who has strongly aligned himself with Trump’s agenda. Van Epps has attracted substantial financial backing from MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump-aligned candidates, which has reported spending over $1 million on his campaign. This marks the first time the group has actively participated in a race since last year’s presidential contest. The group’s involvement underscores the importance Republicans place on retaining this seat.
Van Epps secured Trump’s endorsement after winning a competitive GOP primary and has pledged to champion policies consistent with the former president’s priorities. In a recent virtual rally, he promised Trump “100%” support and emphasized his commitment to lowering costs, supporting veterans, enforcing immigration policies favored by Trump, and opposing transgender women’s participation in women’s sports. His campaign portrays him as a staunch conservative fighter ready to uphold the district’s Republican legacy.
Opposing Van Epps is Democrat Aftyn Behn, a progressive community organizer and state representative whose candidacy has galvanized national Democratic support. Behn, who narrowly won a four-way Democratic primary, has distinguished herself as a vocal critic of Republican policies and an advocate for addressing economic hardships faced by many voters. She describes herself as a “pissed off social worker” and has a history of activism, including protesting former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada in 2019.
The Tennessee Democratic Party, along with national figures such as party chair Ken Martin and former Vice President Kamala Harris, have actively supported Behn’s campaign. Harris made an appearance in Nashville to kick off canvassing efforts, signaling the party’s investment in the race, although she did not share the stage directly with Behn. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has not formally claimed credit for Harris’s involvement, but the visit has nevertheless boosted Behn’s profile.
Democratic strategists view Behn’s campaign as more than just an attempt to flip a single seat. Libby Schneider, deputy executive director of the Democratic National Committee, emphasized that even a strong showing by Behn, regardless of the final outcome, would serve as a morale booster and proof that Democrats can compete aggressively in districts once considered unwinnable. In previous special elections this year, Democratic candidates have outperformed expectations by an average of nine percentage points, suggesting a potential shift in voter sentiment.
The special election was triggered by the retirement of Republican Rep. Mark Green, who first won the seat in 2018 and secured a solid 21-point victory in the 2024 general election. The district was redrawn in 2022 as part of a redistricting effort purportedly designed to dilute the influence of Nashville, the state’s largest city and a Democratic stronghold. Despite these changes, Democrats see an opening amid shifting political dynamics.
Behn’s campaign has focused heavily on economic issues, particularly the rising cost of living, which resonates with many voters. She has advocated for eliminating the state tax on groceries, a proposal aimed at easing financial burdens on working families. Drawing parallels with recent Democratic wins in states like New Jersey and Virginia, Behn is working to build a coalition of voters disenchanted with Washington’s gridlock and economic challenges.
In contrast to Behn’s progressive platform, Van Epps supports key Republican priorities, including the tax and spending policies associated with Trump’s administration, known disparagingly by Democrats as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Behn has also criticized Van Epps and other Republicans