Topline
Polls will soon close in a special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, with state Democratic state lawmaker Aftyn Behn looking to pull off an upset against Republican Matt Van Epps that could lessen Republicans’ slim majority in the House, as President Donald Trump has urged his supporters to come out and vote in the race.
Polls closed at 8 p.m. EST on Tuesday.
Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images
Key Facts
The congressional district, a Republican stronghold won by President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, was previously represented by Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn., who resigned in July.
Van Epps, a former state official, was endorsed by Trump in October shortly before winning the Republican primary and has received more than $1 million from the Trump-aligned super PAC known as MAGA Inc.
Behn is a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives who raised over $1 million from October to November and has also received $1 million from the House Majority PAC.
Polls for the special election close at 8 p.m. EST.
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Key Background
Tennessee’s special election comes off the heels of a string of Democratic wins in Virginia, New York and New Jersey elections. Behn echoed Democratic concerns around affordability ahead of the special election, opposing Trump’s sweeping tariff policies and economic agenda. Van Epps has also campaigned on affordability concerns, saying, “I’m excited to fight alongside the president and the speaker to drive down cost of living.” Van Epps also targeted a past comment from Behn, who called herself a “very radical person.” Behn defended her stance in an interview with CNN, saying, “I don’t think it’s radical to have spent my entire career organizing to make healthcare more affordable or groceries cheaper.”
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Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/antoniopequenoiv/2025/12/02/democrat-aftyn-behn-seeks-upset-over-republican-matt-van-epps-in-tennessee-special-election/
