Burchett Urges Voters to Support Van Epps in Tennessee Special Election

Republican U.S. Representative Tim Burchett emphasized the need for Tennessee voters to “wake up” and back Republican candidate Matt Van Epps in the upcoming special election. He expressed concern that Democrat Aftin Behn, whom he labeled a “homegrown Marxist,” could potentially alter the dynamics in a historically Republican district where Trump previously won by over 20 points.

Speaking on Fox News, Burchett noted that Republicans shouldn’t become complacent in a race that should be securely in their favor. He highlighted that the situation is serious as polls open across Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District.

“This woman was educated in my hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee,” Burchett stated. “We really need to be aware of what’s happening. It’s not about people moving in from California or New York; we’re creating our own homegrown Marxists. We must start paying attention to our base and what’s going on around us.”

Burchett lauded Van Epps, a veteran and father endorsed by Trump, describing him as “one of the best candidates I’ve ever seen.” He cautioned that Republicans must unite or risk losing what should be an unwavering Republican stronghold.

“This situation is like the canary in the coal mine,” he added. “If a qualified candidate like Matt Van Epps can’t secure this seat in a district that Trump won by over 15 points, we could be in serious trouble. The Republican Party is asleep at the wheel.”

The vacancy arose following Republican Rep. Mark Green’s retirement earlier this year. A recent Emerson College poll indicated that despite Green winning almost 60% of the votes previously, Van Epps was leading Behn by only 2 percentage points (48% to 46%), a surprisingly tight competition.

Burchett pointed to low turnout among critical Republican demographics, especially evangelical Christians and gun owners, as a factor making Democrats increasingly competitive in special elections.

“Forty-five percent of evangelical Christians, and I think I’m one of them, and around thirty percent of gun owners might not even vote,” he remarked. “It shouldn’t be a close race.”

Van Epps, in a recent interview with Breitbart News, highlighted Behn’s extreme views, branding her as a far-left individual who opposes Christianity and actively supports gender discrimination among minors. He noted her previous confrontations with law enforcement while serving in the state legislature, as well as her backing from the Democratic Socialists of America.

Additionally, Behn has shown disdain for the very city she aims to represent. In a resurfaced podcast clip from 2020, she stated, “I hate this city, I hate bachelors, I hate pedal taverns, I hate country music, I hate everything that makes Nashville a notable city.”

Van Epps framed his campaign as a choice between preserving Tennessee’s culture and the radical left, positioning himself as a “Christian, husband, father, America First conservative, and military veteran” who is deeply passionate about the district. He believes that Behn’s socialist policies could lead to higher taxes and family destabilization.

Burchett described Behn as emblematic of the current trajectory of the Democratic Party.

“She’s a Marxist, not even a friendly one like AOC,” he asserted, adding that her voting record could make Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez appear moderate.

He elaborated, “She’s clearly the far left’s ideal candidate. She’ll remain silent but will vote in a way that aligns with the extreme left.”

Burchett also linked the election to broader control of the House, emphasizing that upcoming resignations could affect Republican majority status. He warned that this election is crucial in maintaining their position.

“We’re only one vote away from losing our country,” he warned. “While we focus on the president, we tend to overlook other key races, and then we wonder why taxes are high and policies are so extreme.”

In the final hours, Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Tennessee Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty came out in support of Van Epps, stressing the need to confront a potential Democratic shift heading into the 2026 midterms.

Burchett closed with a direct appeal to Republican voters.

“We need to wake up,” he urged. “She represents the mainstream of the Democratic Party, and it’s time to stop it. We can certainly halt it here in Tennessee. Matt Van Epps is the candidate. If you live there, get out and vote for him; he’s a fantastic candidate.”