In a closely watched special election in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, Republican Matt Van Epps emerged victorious over Democrat Aftyn Behn, securing a win that maintains the GOP’s tenuous grip on the House. The race, held to fill the seat vacated by Rep. Mark Green (R-TN), was officially called at 9:37 p.m. ET by the Associated Press, less than two hours after polls closed.
This is the thing that will be haunting Speaker Johnson tonight.
— Will Gamino (@tgnyc.bsky.social) December 2, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Van Epps’ margin of victory — 53.9% to Behn’s 45% — was notably narrower than the Republican Party’s historic dominance in the district. In 2024, the GOP claimed the seat by 21 points, and Donald Trump carried the district by 22 points. The reduced margin signals a more competitive terrain, but for Republicans, the key objective was retention — and they delivered.
I’ve seen enough: Matt Van Epps (R) defeats Aftyn Behn (D) in the #TN07 special election.
— Dave Wasserman (@Redistrict) December 3, 2025
Van Epps’ campaign positioned the race as a linchpin in the broader battle for House control, echoing concerns that the Republican majority could hinge on a handful of votes. “This very well could come down to a single vote,” Van Epps warned during an appearance on Breitbart News Daily. With that context, his victory not only preserved the seat but ensured continued momentum for the MAGA-aligned right.
Trump’s influence was unmistakable throughout the campaign. From his Truth Social rallying cry to voters, to his post-election congratulations, the president cast a long shadow over the district.
Do you folks getting all upset realize what this close of a race in Tennessee means for 2028?! No GOP held seat is safe and the GOP knows it. No brake and all gas until then for all of us who want a blue wave of historic proportions.
— Anita (@anita1956.bsky.social) December 2, 2025 at 9:33 PM
“This is President Trump’s party,” Van Epps declared in his victory speech, signaling unwavering allegiance to the America First platform. His candidacy was buoyed by support from MAGA Inc., the Trump-aligned super PAC that contributed over $1 million to the effort.
Behn, meanwhile, entered the race as a progressive firebrand — a state legislator with a background in activism and a history of provocative statements. From her controversial phrasing on “birthers” during a 2020 podcast to her remarks following the tragic Covenant School shooting, Behn often found herself at the center of cultural flashpoints. Her campaign, which raised significant funds — over $1 million in just one month — attempted to soften her radical image, but the damage may have already been done.
In one candidate forum, Behn spoke candidly about her partner’s trans son and her involvement with trans activist groups in the aftermath of the Covenant shooting — a moment that resonated deeply with progressive voters, but perhaps alienated others in a deeply conservative district.
Van Epps wins, but by an embarrassing margin for this district.
— Mueller, She Wrote (@muellershewrote.com) December 2, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Despite the influx of Democratic support and national attention, Van Epps held the line. His platform emphasized affordability, opposition to radical policies, and alignment with Speaker Johnson and President Trump on economic issues. He countered Behn’s claims of progressive pragmatism by pointing directly to her own words: “a very radical person.”
