In a heated contest that has drawn national attention, Republican Matt Van Epps and Democrat Aftyn Behn have emerged as their parties’ nominees for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District special election, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown on December 2, 2025. The race, triggered by the resignation of GOP Rep. Mark Green in the summer of 2025, has become a focal point for debates about party loyalty, grassroots momentum, and the influence of political endorsements—especially from former President Donald Trump.
Van Epps, a former commissioner in Governor Bill Lee’s administration and a decorated military veteran, clinched the Republican nomination in a crowded field of eleven candidates. According to The Associated Press, Van Epps secured around 49% of the 35,000 votes cast, with state Rep. Jody Barrett finishing second at approximately 27%. The Republican primary was fiercely contested, but Van Epps’ decisive margin was widely attributed to his deep ties to Clarksville, his military background, and a pivotal, last-minute endorsement from Trump after early in-person voting had ended.
The Trump endorsement proved to be a game-changer. As Van Epps himself declared in his victory speech, “The endorsement made the difference, and I will never forget it.” On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump congratulated Van Epps, calling him “an America First Patriot” and praising his “WISDOM and COURAGE required to Defend our Country, Support our Incredible Military/Veterans, and Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” The former president’s backing prompted two rival candidates, including state Rep. Lee Reeves, to suspend their campaigns and endorse Van Epps, further consolidating support behind him.
Van Epps didn’t shy away from aligning himself with Trump’s agenda. “In Congress I’ll stand shoulder to shoulder with President Trump to advance our America First agenda,” he told supporters, pledging to focus on issues such as illegal immigration enforcement and veterans’ care. His campaign leaned heavily on his military credentials—he is a Tennessee Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and an Army Special Operations helicopter pilot—and he was often featured in advertisements as a “MAGA warrior.”
Outside money played a substantial role in the Republican contest. According to Tennessee Lookout, Van Epps received a $750,000 boost from three independent political action committees (PACs) that are not required to disclose their donors. In total, more than $3.1 million in outside spending flooded the race, with about $1.1 million specifically targeting Barrett. The School Freedom Fund, a pro-private school voucher group, spent nearly $700,000 targeting Barrett for his opposition to their agenda, reflecting the high stakes and ideological divides within the party.
The Democratic primary, by contrast, was a more modest affair in terms of spending but no less competitive. State Rep. Aftyn Behn, a social worker and community organizer from Nashville, narrowly emerged victorious in a four-way contest, garnering about 28% of the vote. All four Democratic candidates finished with more than 20%, highlighting the fragmented nature of the party’s base in the district. Behn’s win was seen as a testament to her grassroots energy and outsider status. As she told supporters, “Tonight, Tennessee sent a message. And that message is: Women still fight. Organizers can still win. And Democrats in the Deep South aren’t done yet.”
Behn has built her campaign around progressive issues, with a particular focus on women’s reproductive health rights. She is a plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging a Tennessee law that bans adults from helping minors obtain an abortion without parental permission—a provision currently blocked by a judge. Behn has also advocated for eliminating the state’s grocery tax and closing corporate tax loopholes, arguing that “people are hungry for something real” and “tired of begging for crumbs and not being allowed at the table.” Her campaign has positioned her as a check on Trump’s presidency, emphasizing the need for authenticity and organizing power over “corporate money and poll-tested messaging.”
The 7th Congressional District itself is a political battleground that stretches across 14 counties, encompassing parts of Nashville, rural areas, wealthy suburbs, and the Fort Campbell military installation. The district was redrawn in 2022 by Republican lawmakers to strengthen GOP control by splitting left-leaning Nashville, and it has since been considered a safely Republican seat. Mark Green, the previous incumbent, won by 21 percentage points in 2024 and nearly 22 points in 2022. Nevertheless, Behn and her supporters believe that energized turnout and a focus on grassroots issues could make the race competitive.
Republicans currently hold a narrow 219-213 majority in the U.S. House. While a Democratic win in this special election would not flip control of the chamber, it would further tighten the margin ahead of the 2026 midterms. The winner of the December 2 contest will have to run again in 2026 to secure a full term, making this race both a test of national political currents and a preview of future electoral battles.
The Republican primary, in particular, became a referendum on Trump’s influence and the party’s ideological direction. Candidates competed to demonstrate their alignment with Trump, and the eventual outcome underscored the continuing power of his endorsement in red-leaning districts. As Politico reported, the field’s consolidation around Van Epps after Trump’s endorsement was swift, with rivals dropping out and rallying behind the former president’s chosen candidate.
On the Democratic side, the campaign was marked by debates over how best to challenge the entrenched Republican majority. Behn’s victory over more centrist opponents echoed her previous upset win in a 2023 special state House election, where she defeated a former Metro Nashville Council member. Her strategy has been to run as a progressive outsider, betting that only a bold, energized campaign can break through in a district rated as “solid Republican.”
Money, endorsements, and ground-level activism have all played outsized roles in this special election. While Republicans benefited from significant outside spending and high-profile endorsements, Democrats relied on grassroots organizing and appeals to voters’ desire for change. The contrast between the two campaigns is stark, reflecting broader national debates about the future of both parties.
As the December 2 general election approaches, both Van Epps and Behn are sharpening their messages and mobilizing supporters. The outcome will not only determine who replaces Mark Green but also serve as a bellwether for the political climate in Tennessee and beyond. With the eyes of the nation watching, the 7th District’s special election promises to be a defining moment in a year already marked by political upheaval and shifting allegiances.
For Tennessee’s voters, the choice ahead offers a clear contrast between competing visions for the district’s future—and perhaps a preview of the battles to come in 2026 and beyond.
