The upcoming special election in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District is set for Tuesday, marking a significant political event following recent victories by Democrats in November. This election is crucial for Republicans as they attempt to defend a seat in a district traditionally supportive of GOP candidates.
Tennessee 7th District Special Election: Key Details
In this contest, Republican Matt Van Epps and Democrat Aftyn Behn are vying to fill the vacancy left by former GOP Representative Mark Green, who resigned in July to pursue a career in the private sector.
Candidate Backgrounds
- Matt Van Epps: A West Point graduate and former Army helicopter pilot, Van Epps served as the head of the Tennessee Department of General Services. He has received endorsements from Donald Trump and Mark Green.
- Aftyn Behn: A first-term state representative, Behn was elected in a special election in 2023. Her primary campaign was competitive, resulting in her defeating two fellow state representatives and a prominent local businessman.
Election Context and Financials
The 7th District has largely opted for Republican representatives for over a decade. In the 2024 elections, Trump secured approximately 60% of the district’s votes, whereas Behn’s stronghold is in Davidson County, a region that has shown Democratic preferences.
As of mid-November, Van Epps had raised nearly $590,000 since the primaries, while Behn raised around $1 million. This influx of campaign funds has signaled high stakes for both parties.
Election Day and Voting Information
The polls will remain open until 7 p.m. local time (8 p.m. ET) on election day, with all voters registered in the district eligible to participate. The total registered voter count was approximately 466,000 during the last general election.
Early voting showed substantial engagement, with about 84,000 ballots cast before the special election as of November 26. This illustrates a growing interest among constituents.
Vote Counting and Forecast
Vote counting is expected to proceed swiftly, as seen in previous elections. The Associated Press will provide live updates and declare a winner once results are definitive, barring any potential recounts that may arise from close margins.
This election represents the fifth special election for a congressional seat in 2025, setting the stage for the upcoming midterm elections in 2026.
With national attention on the results, both parties are eager to gain momentum. This contest not only reflects local sentiments but also serves as a barometer for the upcoming midterm political landscape.
