The race for Tennessee’s open U.S. House seat is set. Matt Van Epps, endorsed by President Donald Trump, and Democrat Aftyn Behn won their party primaries Tuesday, advancing to the Tennessee House special election on December 2.
Van Epps, a former state official and National Guard officer, credited Trump’s late endorsement for securing his win. Behn, a progressive state lawmaker from Nashville, celebrated her victory as proof that “grassroots organizing still matters.”
Van Epps wins GOP primary with Trump’s backing
Van Epps defeated 10 Republican rivals to claim the nomination for the Tennessee House special election. His campaign leaned heavily on Trump’s support and his record in the military.
“The endorsement made the difference, and I will never forget it,” Van Epps told supporters. “In Congress, I’ll stand shoulder to shoulder with President Trump to advance our America First agenda.”
Trump congratulated him on Truth Social, writing, “He will be a GREAT Congressman!”
Van Epps previously served in Gov. Bill Lee’s administration and earned endorsements from Lee, former U.S. Rep. Mark Green, and Rep. Jim Jordan.
Behn energizes Democrats with grassroots message
Democrat Aftyn Behn, a social worker and community organizer, defeated state Reps. Bo Mitchell and Vincent Dixie, as well as businessperson Darden Copeland.
Her campaign emphasized reproductive rights, tax fairness, and women’s empowerment — key issues in her pitch to voters ahead of the Tennessee House special election.
“Tonight, Tennessee sent a message,” Behn said. “Women still fight. Organizers still win. Democrats in the Deep South aren’t done yet.”
Behn has been a vocal critic of Trump’s policies, including his tax reforms and trade tariffs. She also led efforts to block a Tennessee law restricting minors from seeking abortion-related help.
Trump’s influence looms over Tennessee House special election
The December Tennessee House special election could serve as a political barometer for Trump’s influence as he campaigns for a second term. The seat was vacated earlier this year by Rep. Mark Green, and GOP lawmakers redrew the district to heavily favor Republicans in 2022.
The district, which stretches across 14 counties from Nashville to the Alabama border, includes rural communities, wealthy suburbs, and part of Fort Campbell.
Republicans currently hold eight of Tennessee’s nine congressional seats, leaving Democrats with only one — Rep. Steve Cohen’s district in Memphis.
Outside money and campaign strategy
Outside groups spent more than $3.1 million on the GOP race, mostly targeting Van Epps’ opponents. About $1.1 million went toward ads attacking state Rep. Jody Barrett.
Van Epps’ campaign emphasized his experience as a Tennessee Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and Army Special Operations pilot, appealing to both veterans and national security voters.
Meanwhile, Behn relied on door-to-door outreach and small donations, presenting herself as a voice for working-class families.
“She embodies the new energy of Southern Democrats,” said a Nashville political analyst. “Her authenticity and message could help narrow the Republican margin.”
A red district with national implications
Although the 7th Congressional District leans strongly Republican — Green won by more than 20 points in 2022 and 2024 — both parties view the race as a symbolic test ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Political observers say the Tennessee House special election will reveal whether Trump’s influence remains strong among suburban voters.
“It’s not just about one seat,” said a University of Tennessee professor. “It’s about whether Trump-backed candidates can still dominate local politics.”
What’s next
The Tennessee House special election is scheduled for December 2, 2025. Both campaigns are expected to intensify outreach in suburban Nashville and surrounding rural areas.
Van Epps will focus on immigration enforcement, veterans’ care, and economic growth. Behn plans to highlight health care, education, and reproductive rights.
With millions likely to be spent and national figures weighing in, the Tennessee race may become one of the most closely watched special elections of 2025.
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