Democratic Candidates Selected in Tennessee Special Election

On Tuesday, Democrats nominated their candidates for a special congressional election to fill a vacant seat in Tennessee. Aftin Behn, a former medical organizer and current Democratic state representative, secured the party’s nomination. The Dickson County Democratic Party remarked that Behn is akin to “Tennessee’s very own AOC,” making a reference to New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

This election features key figures, including three state legislators from Tennessee’s strongly Republican 7th Congressional District and a consultant. However, Behn might be considered a somewhat weak contender in the general election scheduled for December 2nd. This follows the resignation of former Republican Representative Mark Green, who decided to leave his position in June for a private sector opportunity.

In the most recent presidential election, President Donald Trump secured Tennessee by approximately 20 points. This district, located in west-central Tennessee, stretches from Kentucky down to Alabama.

Trump’s influence was evident in the recent Republican primary, where he endorsed former Tennessee General Services Commissioner Matt Van Epp. Van Epp, one among 11 candidates on the Republican primary ballot, emerged victorious.

Currently, the Republicans hold a slight edge in the House with 219 to 213 seats. There are two empty seats in the 18th Congressional Districts of Tennessee and Texas, which are vacant following the passing of Democratic Representative Sylvester Turner.

Additionally, Democratic Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva, who recently won a special election in Arizona, has not yet been sworn in.