Nashville, Tennessee – The results of a closely watched special election in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District are out, showcasing a solid Republican win. Interestingly, both parties seem to be grabbing some political momentum from this outcome.
President Donald Trump celebrated the results, saying, “It was a great night for the Republican Party!!!” Republican candidate Matt Van Epps triumphed over Democratic opponent Aftin Behn in this crucial contest to succeed former Congressman Mark Greene, who left office in June for a private sector opportunity.
On the Democratic side, Ken Martin, the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, expressed that “Democrats are on the offensive, and Republicans are, well, in a bit of trouble,” noting Van Epps’ approximate nine-point lead in a district that Trump had dominated by 22 points a year ago.
Republicans are barely hanging on to their majority in the House of Representatives, and this special election was seen as essential for them. Now, both parties are trying to interpret what these results imply for the upcoming midterm elections, which will be crucial for maintaining House dominance.
Trump-supporting Republicans keep important positions
Democrats appear to be split, with some moderates questioning Behn, who’s been labeled “Tennessee AOC” due to her progressive stance compared to her predecessor. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s brand of politics may be too left-leaning for this central and western Tennessee district, which spans areas from Kentucky to Alabama and includes a portion of Nashville.
The stakes were high, and outside groups from both parties funneled millions into advertising campaigns for this race. The DNC and the competing Republican National Committee (RNC) both made significant resource contributions, even sending campaign staffers into the fray.
Decision day: Trump, Johnson, and AOC dominate the campaign trail before the big day
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson spent the evening before the election rallying with Van Epps, attending several events throughout the district alongside him. RNC Chairman Joe Gruters was also in attendance.
Van Epps, a veteran and former head of the Tennessee Department of General Services, stated in his victory speech that this win marks a “defining moment for Tennessee and the nation.”
He informed Fox News Digital that his win was “a huge victory.” Trump pointed out that his backing was crucial in helping Van Epps secure the Republican nomination last month, labeling Tuesday’s win as significant for Congress.
Van Epps later addressed supporters, thanking Trump for his unwavering support, saying it made a notable difference in their campaign.
While Democrats did not manage to flip crucial seats, which would have been detrimental to Republicans, they are finding some optimism in the results.
Watch: Aftin Behn on the eve of the election
Aftin Behn’s strong performance in a district that Trump won by 22 points is, according to Martin, “historic and a flashing red flag for Republicans.” He added that it’s surprising for Republicans to have invested millions just to lose considerable ground. “Democrats are ramping up their efforts everywhere and contesting races nationwide,” he claimed.
Behn, a state lawmaker and former health community organizer, told Fox News Digital on Election Day, “What starts here will change this country.” When asked about the possibility of winning hearts even without winning the election, she remarked, “I think we’ve already won over many Tennesseans and people across the nation.”
Yet, Republicans challenge the Democrats’ perspective. Johnson commented that in a heavily Republican district, many voters often assume a Republican victory is a given, but “nothing happens automatically.”
He referred to Kansas Rep. Ron Estes and South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman, who both narrowly won special elections in Republican strongholds but later secured re-election with more comfortable margins.
“Everyone needs to go vote,” Johnson urged, seeking to energize Trump supporters who might be less motivated to vote when he’s not on the ballot.
The turnout in this special election was quite high, with around 180,000 votes cast—almost matching participation levels from the 2022 midterm elections.
Looking ahead to the 2025 Congressional battle
Democrats believe that the results from Tennessee and their previous victories are indicators of a shift in the upcoming 2026 midterms, but Johnson expressed confidence about expanding their majority. He cited a positive track record in prior elections.
During her campaign, Behn highlighted issues of affordability and health care, but Republicans labeled her as “radical,” focusing on her past controversial remarks.
Democratic candidate Aftin Behn addressing supporters on the eve of the election in Franklin, Tennessee.
Van Epps dismissed Behn’s candidacy, claiming she didn’t align with Tennessee values and labeled her as “an extremist.” Johnson also condemned her as a “radical far-leftist,” suggesting she would only echo the views of Democratic leaders.
Simon Bazelon from the moderate Democratic group Welcome PAC deemed Behn a “missed opportunity,” insisting that Democrats in conservative districts can’t solely rely on affordability messaging without addressing broader concerns.
Before the election results came in, Behn expressed to Fox News Digital that she believed voters were becoming more accepting of progressive candidates like herself. She also noted the encouragement she received from young people who expressed inspiration from the election.
