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Tennessee Holds Special Election for Vacant Congressional Seat

2025-12-02

The BareStory

Voters in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District are at the polls today, December 2, 2025, for a special election to fill a House seat vacated by Republican Rep. Mark Green, who resigned in July. The race pits Republican Matt Van Epps against Democratic state Rep. Aftyn Behn. The district, which includes parts of Nashville and numerous rural counties, is considered a Republican stronghold where Green previously won by a margin of over 20 points.

The contest has drawn national figures, with House Speaker Mike Johnson campaigning for Van Epps. Johnson stated the election offered a contrast between the GOP's record and a "radical" Democratic agenda. During the same event, President Trump reportedly called in to say a large victory was needed. For the Democratic candidate, former Vice President Al Gore and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez held a phone rally. One summary noted Gore said recent elections showed voters were tired of President Trump's "madness and cruelty."

Affordability has been a central issue. Van Epps, who described himself as a combat veteran and small business leader, said he has proposed solutions for housing, healthcare, and energy. He characterized Behn's platform as a push for "new and higher taxes." Behn’s campaign claimed Van Epps and Republicans are raising costs for families, stating Behn would work to eliminate the state’s grocery tax. Behn has maintained that the rising cost of living is the key issue for voters.

Behn has faced criticism for past comments and social media posts, which her campaign manager, Kate Briefs, called a distraction. The race is being watched as a potential indicator for the 2026 midterm elections. Millions of dollars in outside spending have reportedly entered the district, and some polling has suggested a single-digit race.

Left Perspective

  • The race contrasts the GOP's record with a radical Democratic agenda.
  • The candidate has proposed concrete solutions for affordability.
  • The Democratic platform would lead to new and higher taxes.

Right Perspective

  • Republicans are responsible for the rising cost of living for families.
  • Voters are weary of the influence of President Trump.
  • Criticisms of the candidate are a distraction from key issues.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• The election result is viewed as a potential indicator of national political trends, which could influence party strategies and fundraising for the 2026 midterms.

• This race tests competing economic messages on affordability and taxes, potentially shaping how both major parties address these issues nationwide in upcoming elections.

• The winner will add one vote to their party's count in the U.S. House, which could affect the passage of future national legislation.

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