Tennessee Special Election Tightens as National Stakes Rise
Nashville, Republican Matt Van Epps led Democrat Aftyn Behn by roughly two points in Emerson College polling ahead of Tuesday’s special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, after former Rep. Mark Green resigned in July. Van Epps, endorsed by Donald Trump and Mark Green, campaigned with national GOP figures on Election Eve; Democrats highlighted Behn’s focus on affordability. Behn faced scrutiny over past 2020 social media posts about policing and comments about Nashville. Polls showed turnout patterns favoring Behn among early voters and Van Epps on Election Day. Final pre-election developments occurred. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.
Timeline
- July 2025 — Representative Mark Green resigns, creating the vacancy.
- October 2025 — Matt Van Epps wins the Republican special primary with key endorsements.
- November 4, 2025 — Democrats record multiple wins nationally, energizing party momentum.
- Late November 2025 — Emerson College polling shows Van Epps leading by two points.
- Early December 2025 — Trump and Speaker Johnson campaign in Tennessee on Election Eve.
- Articles Published:
- 6
- Right Leaning:
- 1
- Left Leaning:
- 0
- Neutral:
- 5
- Distribution:
- Left 0%, Center 83%, Right 17%
National party leaders, campaign strategists, and donors benefited by using the race to test messaging, mobilize supporters, and measure turnout signals ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Local voters and community-focused policy discussion suffered from nationalized attention and polarizing messaging that emphasized optics over local issues.
After reading and researching latest news.... Polling showed Van Epps narrowly leading by two points; national Republicans mobilized with Trump and Speaker Johnson; Democrats emphasized affordability and turnout; Behn faced scrutiny for 2020 social media posts; outcome will hinge on turnout patterns and early-voter demographics and geographic age-based turnout shifts.
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