NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — In an important test for the Republican Party, Tennessee voters are set to choose their next representative for the reliably conservative 7th U.S. House Congressional District on Tuesday. This special election was prompted by the resignation of Republican Rep. Mark Green earlier this summer. As the election approaches, a surprising surge in campaign spending has flooded the airwaves and inundated residents’ mailboxes with a plethora of campaign flyers.
Republicans, including President Donald Trump, are eager to rebound from recent electoral losses across the nation. The Republican candidate, Matt Van Epps, has received substantial backing, including over $1 million from MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump. Notably, this marks the first time the PAC has invested in a campaign since last year’s presidential race, underscoring the significance of this contest.
On Monday, House Speaker Mike Johnson and GOP chair Joe Gruters rallied supporters in Tennessee, emphasizing the importance of a strong turnout. Trump addressed the crowd via phone and later hosted a tele-rally for Van Epps, marking his second such event in the general election cycle.
Recent victories for Democrats in states like New Jersey and Virginia have raised the stakes in Tennessee. A strong showing in the 7th District could further embolden the party as they approach the midterm elections next November. Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn has garnered significant support, including $1 million from the House Majority PAC. National party chair Ken Martin has also campaigned for Behn, while former Vice President Kamala Harris participated in a canvassing kickoff during her book tour in Nashville. Additionally, former Vice President Al Gore and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez headlined a virtual rally the night before the election.
The 7th District was redrawn in 2022, aiming to diminish the influence of Nashville, the state’s largest city and a Democratic stronghold. Currently, only about 1 in 5 registered voters reside in Nashville. Last year, the district overwhelmingly supported Green by a margin of 21 percentage points, and Trump received a similar level of support. Democrats argue that closing this gap would signal momentum for their party moving into next year’s elections.
Despite the Democrats' optimism, Republicans remain confident in their ability to defend the seat. They aim to counter claims that even traditionally red districts are now vulnerable, especially as Trump faces low approval ratings and ongoing economic dissatisfaction. However, there are concerns about voter turnout, particularly given the timing, with early voting coinciding with Thanksgiving week and Election Day following soon after.
In an effort to bolster Van Epps’ candidacy, Trump held a virtual rally in November. Van Epps, a former state general services commissioner and Army helicopter pilot from Nashville, faces a tough campaign against Behn, who has branded herself as a “pissed-off social worker.” In her campaign, Behn has condemned Trump’s tariffs and tax cuts, policies that Van Epps supports.
Republicans have attempted to leverage Behn’s past remarks against her in advertisements. They highlight her previous comments, such as describing herself as “radical” and expressing disdain for Nashville, stating, “I hate this city.” While Behn has acknowledged these remarks, she redirects the conversation to pressing issues like the cost of living, emphasizing her desire for Nashville to be a thriving place for working people.
Democratic allies have sought to undermine Van Epps’ base by encouraging conservatives to support independent candidate Jon Thorp. This messaging has been disseminated through mailers by Your Community PAC, which has invested over $16 million in supporting Democratic candidates nationwide since last year.
As the election unfolds, the outcome of the Tennessee 7th Congressional District special election will be closely watched, serving as a potential bellwether for the political landscape leading into the upcoming midterms. A free press remains a cornerstone of a healthy democracy, and it is crucial to support trusted journalism and civil dialogue in these pivotal times.