As Tennessee heads to the polls on Tuesday for a special congressional election in the state’s 7th District, both parties are gearing up for a critical contest that may signal the political climate ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. With Republicans aiming to secure a seat in traditionally GOP territory, Democrats are hopeful for an upset after recent electoral successes.
Why It Matters
This election presents an important opportunity for both parties to gauge their strength and strategic directions heading into the midterm season. The outcome may reflect shifting voter sentiments in a district that has overwhelmingly supported Republican candidates in the past. A win for Democrats, particularly in a region dominated by GOP victories, could signal a more competitive political landscape in coming years.
Key Developments
- The special election will fill the vacancy left by former GOP Rep. Mark Green, who resigned in July to pursue opportunities in the private sector.
- Republican nominee Matt Van Epps, a military veteran and former state official, aims to solidify GOP control in the area.
- Democratic nominee Aftyn Behn, a progressive state representative, seeks to extend the party’s winning momentum after recent victories.
- Prominent political figures including Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are actively campaigning for their respective candidates, ramping up national interest in the race.
- Voter turnout has shown robust early participation, with over 84,000 ballots cast before election day.
Full Report
Candidates and Campaigns
The election features Republican Matt Van Epps, who is endorsed by both former President Donald Trump and former Rep. Mark Green. A graduate of West Point and former Army helicopter pilot, Van Epps previously oversaw the Tennessee Department of General Services. He secured his position as the GOP nominee with a decisive victory in the October special primary.
Democrat Aftyn Behn, dubbed by some supporters as “Tennessee’s AOC,” represents a more progressive element within the party, hoping to energize voters with her recent successes and activism. Behn emerged victorious from a crowded four-way primary, setting her sights on flipping a district that has seen little Democratic success in prior elections.
Election Context
This special election marks a continuation of a series of contests, providing a chance for both parties to sharpen their campaign strategies ahead of the pivotal 2026 midterms. The 7th Congressional District has a long history of Republican representation; however, demographic shifts and changes in voter engagement have sparked interest in a potential upset.
Voter Turnout and Expectations
The district has about 466,000 registered voters, with notable turnout rates at 69% during the 2024 general election. Early voting has shown substantial interest, with a significant percentage of ballots cast before Election Day. Polls in the district close at 7 p.m. local time (8 p.m. ET), and the results are anticipated shortly thereafter, following the swift vote counting seen in previous elections.
Context & Previous Events
The 7th District has not elected a Democrat to Congress in over a dozen years. The area, which encompasses portions of Nashville and nearby counties, previously leaned more Democratic before redistricting efforts in 2022 altered its voting landscape. In prior elections, Trump garnered around 60% of the vote in the district, underscoring the challenges Behn faces as she attempts to rally Democratic support in a historically Republican stronghold. This election is the fifth special election to fill a vacant congressional seat this year, reflecting ongoing political engagement across the country.
