The special election in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District has garnered significant attention, particularly as it represents a pivotal political contest following the 2024 presidential election. This race showcases two distinct candidates: Van Epps, a West Point graduate and former Army helicopter pilot who previously led the Tennessee Department of General Services under Republican Governor Bill Lee, and Behn, a state representative and progressive activist who emerged victorious from a competitive Democratic primary.
Van Epps won the October special primary decisively, benefiting from endorsements by prominent figures such as Donald Trump and Green. His campaign was marked by significant financial support, having spent over $348,000 leading up to the primary, which illustrates his strong backing within the Republican Party.
In contrast, Behn is a newly elected state representative who first entered the political arena in a special election earlier in 2023. Her primary victory came in a tightly contested four-way race that included two seasoned state representatives and a well-funded local businessman. Described by some Democrats as “our very own AOC of TN,” a nod to the influential Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Behn's candidacy reflects a shift towards progressive values in Tennessee politics.
This special election is notable as it marks the final high-profile head-to-head party matchup of the year, attracting attention from national political figures. Trump actively supported Van Epps by participating in a tele-rally on November 13, coinciding with the start of early voting. In contrast, Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate and then-Vice President, campaigned for Behn in Nashville on November 18, emphasizing the importance of Democratic turnout.
The financial stakes in this race have escalated dramatically. As of mid-November, Van Epps raised an impressive $590,000 following his primary, while Behn's fundraising efforts surpassed $1 million, showcasing the competitive nature of this election.
The 7th District has a history of Republican representation, having consistently elected Republican candidates for over a decade. However, it also includes parts of Davidson County, which is known for its Democratic leanings and is home to Nashville. The district underwent significant redistricting in 2022, altering its boundaries to dilute Democratic influence by splitting Davidson County among Republican-friendly districts.
In the 2024 presidential election, Trump secured approximately 60% of the vote in the 7th District, while Harris garnered around 38%. Notably, in Davidson County, Harris achieved nearly 68% of the vote, highlighting the contrasting political dynamics within the district.
The special election is scheduled for Tuesday, with polling concluding at 7 p.m. local time (8 p.m. ET). All registered voters within the 7th Congressional District are eligible to participate in this crucial election.
As of the November 2024 general election, the district boasted approximately 466,000 registered voters. Turnout for the congressional race was about 69% in the presidential election year and around 41% in the previous midterm elections. Early voting trends indicate that roughly 73% of ballots in the 14 counties within the district were cast early, reflecting an engaged electorate.
Vote counting in previous contests has been swift, with results from the October special primaries reported shortly after polls closed. As the election approaches, voters and political analysts will be closely monitoring the outcomes, especially considering that this race represents the fifth special election of the year to fill a vacant congressional seat.
The Associated Press will continue to provide updates and coverage, maintaining transparency regarding the election outcome and any potential recounts. It is important to note that Tennessee does not allow for automatic recounts, and any recounts must be initiated through legal challenges.
As the special election in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District approaches, the stakes are high for both candidates. With substantial financial backing and national attention, this race will not only impact local politics but could also reflect broader trends within the national political landscape leading into the 2026 midterm elections.