Republican Matt Van Epps has been projected the winner of the special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, the Associated Press reported, preventing a Democratic upset in a closer-than-expected contest. With roughly 99% of precincts reporting, Van Epps led Democrat Aftyn Behn about 53.9% to 45%.
The district had strongly favored Donald Trump in 2024, and Van Epps credited Trump’s endorsement for his victory, arguing that aligning with the former president helped drive turnout. Trump posted congratulations on social media, calling the result a big win for Republicans.
Behn ran well ahead of typical Democratic performance in this deep-red district, and party officials cast her showing as evidence Democrats can be competitive by focusing on economic issues. She told supporters the campaign had altered expectations and that the grassroots effort could fuel another run in the future.
The race became a national battleground in its closing weeks. Major figures from both parties campaigned on the ground, and outside groups poured millions into the contest, with Republican-aligned spending outpacing Democratic investments. DNC Chair Ken Martin credited Democrats’ message on grocery and housing costs for Behn’s stronger-than-expected performance and framed the result as momentum for his party.
Tennessee’s 7th District is largely rural with some more liberal pockets, including parts of Nashville. The special election filled the seat vacated by Republican Rep. Mark Green, who resigned in July. Turnout was uncertain heading into the vote; special election patterns after holiday weekends can be unpredictable.
Van Epps’ initial term will be brief — he must run again in next year’s midterm elections. His projected win will add one seat to Republicans’ current House total, bringing them to 220 once he is sworn in; Democrats hold 213. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who campaigned for the Republican candidate, faces a narrow majority, and the GOP is expected to lose another vote in January when Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s resignation takes effect.