The upcoming special election for the House seat in Tennessee’s deep-red 7th Congressional District is significantly influenced by former President Donald Trump. As candidates gear up for the GOP primary, their campaigns have largely focused on their alignment with Trump’s policies, overshadowing other key issues.
Trump’s Endorsement Shakes Up the Race
Matt Van Epps received a critical endorsement from Trump just before the primary, which could impact voter turnout. With early voting already closed, Van Epps’s backing may shift dynamics as the election approaches.
Background on the 7th District
This district has maintained a solid Republican stance for over a decade. Despite recent redistricting efforts that added Democratic voters, it remains predominantly conservative. Last year, Trump and Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn won the district by approximately 20 points, underscoring its Republican leanings.
Key Candidates and Their Platforms
- Matt Van Epps: Former commissioner of the state Department of General Services, endorsed by Trump, former Rep. Mark Green, and Governor Bill Lee. His campaign emphasizes “security, opportunity, and prosperity.”
- Jody Barrett: State representative who received backing from the House Freedom Caucus. He aims to unify voters by addressing the cost of living and is known for some divergence from party lines.
- Mason Foley: A healthcare entrepreneur seeking to represent Generation Z’s interests. His campaign focuses on affordability issues and distinguishes himself by being the youngest candidate.
Challenges and Opportunities
Campaigns are anticipating lower voter turnout due to the irregular election schedule, which could lead to a competitive race in the upcoming general election on December 2nd. The GOP primary is set for this Tuesday, with eleven Republicans vying for the nomination.
Democratic Candidates
The Democratic side of the primary features fewer candidates but includes notable figures like businessman Darden Copeland and state legislators Aftyn Behn, Vincent Dixie, and Bo Mitchell. Copeland has a fundraising advantage, with nearly $400,000 in his campaign account.
In a recent debate, Democratic candidates emphasized electability for the general election, as they prepare for a fight should they win the primary.
Voter Engagement
Early voting concluded recently, with over 36,000 ballots cast out of 469,000 registered voters in the district. The outcome of the Tuesday primary will be pivotal for setting the stage for the general election, with Trump’s endorsement likely to play a significant role in the final results.
