Republicans Rally in Tennessee Special Election Amidst Close Race and Controversial Opponent
President Trump and Speaker Johnson campaigned for Republican Matt Van Epps in a tight Tennessee special election, criticizing opponent Behn's controversial past and perceived disconnect.
Tennessee House Race a Bellwether for Trump?
Daily Signal
Overview
- President Donald Trump actively campaigned for Republican candidates in a critical special congressional election in Tennessee, emphasizing the party's current strength and growing membership.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson also joined Republican nominee Matt Van Epps at rallies across Tennessee, showing unified party support for his candidacy in the close race.
- Rep. Tim Burchett highlighted recent polling data showing a very close contest between Republican Matt Van Epps and Behn in the Tennessee House race, indicating a tight election.
- Behn faced significant criticism for controversial past comments, including remarks condoning burning police stations. This led to accusations of her being disconnected from the district's core values.
- Republicans are strategically utilizing Behn's past statements to undermine her campaign, investing substantial financial resources to bolster Van Epps and criticize his opponent.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story around the unexpected Republican struggle to retain a House seat in a historically red district. They emphasize the race's surprising closeness and the GOP's efforts to "avert disaster," suggesting broader implications like a "potential blue wave." This narrative highlights Republican vulnerability and the high stakes involved.
"The whole world is watching Tennessee right now and they're watching your district."
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FAQ
Matt Van Epps is a former commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services (2024–2025) and a decorated combat veteran. He won the Republican special primary for Tennessee's 7th Congressional District in October 2025, receiving 51.6% of the vote.
The special election was held because Republican Mark Green resigned from the seat on July 20, 2025, to take a job in the private sector, creating a vacancy that needed to be filled.
Matt Van Epps's opponent in the general election is Democrat Aftyn Behn. Behn has faced criticism for controversial past comments, including remarks condoning burning police stations, which Republicans have used to question her alignment with district values.
Matt Van Epps won the Republican primary with 51.6% of the vote, defeating Jody Barrett, who received 25.3%, and Gino Bulso, who received 10.9%.
The general election for Tennessee's 7th Congressional District is scheduled for December 2, 2025.
History
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