Franklin, Tennessee – In a competitive election for a vacant U.S. House seat in a strongly Republican area, Matt Van Epps, a Republican candidate, expressed optimism about turnout as he interacted with supporters outside polling sites on Tuesday morning. “We’re hearing great things from across the district,” he mentioned, adding, “We did well in early voting, so now we just need to keep pushing toward victory.”
Van Epps is up against Democratic candidate Aftin Behn to fill the position left by former Republican Rep. Mark Green, who resigned in June for a role in the private sector. With Republicans holding a slim majority in the House, winning this seat is crucial for them.
In the past, this district, which stretches from Kentucky to Alabama including parts of Nashville, saw Trump lead by 22 points during last year’s presidential elections, and Green won by over 20 points in both 2022 and 2024. However, Democrats are feeling renewed energy after recent elections, leading to a more competitive race between Van Epps and Behn, which many see as a key indicator for the upcoming midterm elections.
“A win is a win,” Van Epps said when asked about the margin he needed. Yet, he added that they aim to win by a significant margin to secure a majority in 2026.
Behn, a state lawmaker with a progressive background, spoke to his supporters, drawing parallels to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “Whether we win or lose, this journey has inspired many,” he stated, indicating that the campaign has already made an impact. He believes voters are increasingly open to progressive candidates. With so much at stake, significant advertising investments have poured into the race from both major parties, involving staff and resources from the DNC and RNC.
House Speaker Mike Johnson campaigned alongside Van Epps in the lead-up to the election, emphasizing that Republicans shouldn’t take victory for granted in such a solidly red district. He also highlighted the need for voter turnout, particularly among Trump supporters who may be less motivated when the former president isn’t on the ballot.
In a notable rally appearance, President Trump called voters and urged them to support Van Epps. “Let’s win by a landslide,” he said, stressing the significance of this election for the Republican Party. A number of prominent Tennessee Republicans, including Governor Bill Lee and Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty, showed support for Van Epps as well.
Meanwhile, Behn earned backing from notable figures like Ocasio-Cortez and Pramila Jayapal, along with other progressive leaders who participated in virtual events on the eve of the election. Behn reflected on his strong connections in the community, emphasizing his personal engagement with the electorate.
On the other hand, Van Epps pointed out the momentum his campaign has gained, especially with support from over 50 local leaders. “We’ve built that energy since the primary and will keep it going,” he said, suggesting that hard work and visibility are paying off.
