Matt Van Epps, a Republican, secured a significant victory in the special election to represent Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. Van Epps faced off against Democratic state representative Aftyn Behn in a closely watched race that had garnered attention from both political parties. Van Epps won with approximately 53.9% of the vote, while Behn earned 45.1%, a result that ensured the Republican Party would maintain control of the district. The election filled the vacancy left by the resignation of Republican Mark Green, who stepped down in July 2025.
This special election marked the final congressional race of 2025, and it was one of several contests that drew heightened interest ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. While Van Epps’s victory ensured the continuation of GOP control in the district, it was noteworthy that Behn had managed to significantly increase the Democratic vote share compared to previous elections in the area. This shift in voter support suggests that the political landscape in Tennessee’s 7th District may be changing, prompting both parties to take notice. For Democrats, the race represented an opportunity to challenge the Republican hold in a historically conservative district, and Behn’s improved performance was seen as a sign of growing competitiveness in the region.
The outcome of the race also highlights the broader political trends that will likely play a role in the 2026 midterm elections. With both major parties keenly aware of the importance of maintaining or gaining control in various districts, the Tennessee special election serves as a reminder of the shifting dynamics in local races. While the victory was a win for Republicans, the closer-than-expected margin of victory demonstrated that Democratic efforts in traditionally red areas may be gaining traction. The results are expected to impact strategies for both parties as they prepare for the upcoming midterms.
Van Epps, having won the election, was sworn into the 119th United States Congress on December 4, 2025. His entry into Congress follows months of campaigning in which he focused on representing the values and concerns of his district while emphasizing traditional Republican values. As the new representative, Van Epps is expected to play a role in shaping policy and representing his constituents as part of the broader GOP agenda in Washington, D.C.
In conclusion, Matt Van Epps’s victory in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District special election solidifies Republican control of the seat, but the closer-than-usual margin and the significant improvement in Democratic support set the stage for a potentially more competitive political landscape in future elections. With the 2026 midterms on the horizon, both parties will likely take lessons from this race, adjusting their strategies to ensure they remain competitive in crucial districts like Tennessee’s 7th.
Read Also: https://republicandigest.com/off-year-elections-mark-a-mid-term-test-for-u-s-political-landscape/
