Republican Matt Van Epps won the closely contested Tennessee 7th congressional district special election, supported by Trump's endorsement, narrowly defeating Democrat Aftyn Behn, in a race seen as a test of political momentum ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Matt Van Epps, a Republican, has won the Tennessee 7th Congressional District special election, securing approximately 54% of the vote, with results indicating a strong hold on the district. The election results show Van Epps leading in most counties, and the race is largely seen as a confirmation of the district's Republican leaning.
Republican Matt Van Epps won a special election in Tennessee's 7th district, a traditionally Republican area, defeating Democrat Aftyn Behn. The race was seen as a test of Republican support ahead of the midterms, with Van Epps emphasizing his alignment with Trump, who campaigned for him. The result signals a potentially closer-than-expected midterm environment, with Democrats viewing Behn's performance as a warning sign for Republicans.
Former Vice President Al Gore is campaigning for Democrat Aftyn Behn in Tennessee's competitive special election, which is crucial for control of the House of Representatives, amid high-profile rallies from both parties' leaders, including Trump supporting Republican Matt Van Epps and Democratic efforts to energize voters.
Matt Van Epps, backed by Donald Trump, won the Republican primary in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District and will face Democrat Aftyn Behn in December; the seat's GOP hold could strengthen the party's majority in the House.
Matt Van Epps, endorsed by Donald Trump, won the GOP primary for Tennessee's 7th Congressional District and will face Democrat Aftyn Behn in the December special election, with Van Epps emphasizing security and infrastructure in his platform.