Trump Rallying Support for Tennessee House Race
Former President Trump criticized the “Tennessee House race” during a phone call aimed at rallying support for Republican candidate Matt Van Epps, ahead of the pivotal special election on Tuesday. This election is seen as crucial for maintaining the Republican majority in the House.
In his call to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana), who had hesitated in backing Van Epps, Trump emphasized the stakes involved. He pointed out that the Republican majority rests on just three votes, urging, “We have to win this seat.”
“The whole world is watching Tennessee right now, particularly your district,” he asserted. “It’s essential to show that the Republican Party is strong.”
Trump took aim at Democrat Aftin Behn, who he referred to as “Tennessee AOC,” mentioning her past critical comments about country music made on a podcast five years ago. He remarked, “Democrats are pouring in funds. Those who want to raise taxes are quite concerning.”
He added, “There are two things about her that I find particularly troubling. First, her disdain for Christianity. Second, her dislike for country music. How could anyone support a candidate like that?” Trump expressed confidence in Van Epps, saying he has backed the party from the start and will be an excellent congressman.
During the campaign, Republicans highlighted Behn’s controversial statements. In a 2019 editorial, she labeled Tennessee as “racist” and proposed defunding the police the following year.
It’s notable that Behn had previously voiced her disdain for Nashville, a city within District 7—”I hate this city, I hate single people, I hate pedal taverns, I hate country music,” she said in her podcast.
Last year, Trump won Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District by a solid 22 points. However, recent polls indicate a tighter contest; one from Emerson College showed Van Epps narrowly ahead of Behn at 48% to 46%, within the margin of error.
If Republicans fail to secure this seat, their majority could dwindle to zero next spring. This scenario is compounded by the forthcoming retirement of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and two special elections to fill Democratic-held vacancies.
Without a majority, House Republicans might be unable to afford defections on partisan issues. They have seen at least one such defection over the past year, often leaning towards Libertarian-minded Rep. Thomas Massie.
Trump is scheduled to hold a more formal rally in Tennessee later on Monday, aiming to fill the vacancy left by former Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.), who retired over the summer.
