The leader of a political group that supported President Trump’s 2024 campaign is entering a competitive special election for a House seat in Tennessee’s Republican-dominated district. The organization, MAGA, has released an advertisement promoting Republican candidate Matt Van Epps, who has Trump’s endorsement, against Democrat Aftin Behn, vying to replace former Congressman Mark Greene, who left Congress to pursue private sector opportunities in June. The ad first appeared on Fox News Digital on Wednesday.
MAGA Inc. noted that this ad, which will air across both television and digital platforms, is part of a major campaign push involving significant funding aimed at mobilizing voters. This marks the group’s first advertisement since the previous year’s presidential election.
In light of the special election, Republican groups are investing heavily to maintain their narrow 219-214 majority in the House, avoiding any upheaval.
In the last presidential election, Trump secured a substantial 22-point lead in the district, located in west-central Tennessee and extending from Kentucky to Alabama, with parts of Nashville included.
Democrats seem encouraged by their recent success in the elections earlier this month and are optimistic about their chances in the upcoming special election on December 2. Ken Martin, the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, campaigned with Behn over the weekend and argued that Behn has a solid shot at winning.
Aftin Behn, a state representative and known progressive figure, has faced criticism from Republicans for her votes against a significant tax cut last year, labeled by them as the largest in the state’s history.
The advertisement claims that Behn not only opposed that tax cut but also supported another tax increase, costing Tennessee households more. The narrative warns that a “radical liberal” like Behn is not what the state needs.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who Trump defeated in the last election, recently campaigned with Behn as well. MAGA spokesperson Alex Pfeiffer criticized Behn, asserting that her policies would not resonate with Tennessee voters, who would prefer to elect Van Epps instead.
MAGA Inc. had shifted its resources during the 2022 midterms to focus on Trump’s 2024 campaign, spending $456 million in support. However, they are poised to play a more significant role in the upcoming special election to help retain Republican majorities in Congress. They have reportedly raised nearly $177 million as of June, underscoring their determination to maintain control.
Other conservative entities, including the Club for Growth Action and the Conservatives for American Excellence PAC, have also contributed significant funds to this election effort.
The Democratic National Committee expressed that Republicans are understandably anxious about the election. DNC’s Abhi Rahman pointed out that Van Epps remains in a challenging position despite being Trump’s favored candidate in a heavily Republican area.
