Matt Van Epps wins Republican primary in Tennessee with significant support
- Democrat Aftyn Behn and Republican Matt Van Epps are leading candidates in the upcoming special election for Tennessee's District 7.
- Behn won the Democratic primary with nearly 28% of the vote, while Van Epps achieved over 51% in a crowded Republican field.
- The results of this election could significantly impact the Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In Tennessee, following the primary elections held on October 7, 2025, Democrat Aftyn Behn and Republican Matt Van Epps emerged as the leading candidates for a special election for the U.S. House of Representatives. This election is particularly noteworthy because it was triggered by the resignation of Republican Mark Green, who has represented the district since 2018. A significant portion of the political landscape is at stake in this election, as the outcome may influence the balance of power in the House, where Republicans currently hold a narrow majority. Aftyn Behn, a state lawmaker previously involved in healthcare activism, captured approximately 28% of the Democratic primary vote. With over 8,640 votes, she highlighted the collective effort of her campaign supporters and emphasized her commitment to fight for the needs of her constituents, rather than corporate interests. Her win in a competitive Democratic primary has garnered attention, as Democrats hope to lessen the Republican majority in Congress. On the other hand, Matt Van Epps, a combat veteran, achieved a decisive victory in the 11-way Republican primary, securing over 51% of the votes cast. His campaign benefitted significantly from an endorsement by Donald Trump, which seemingly galvanized support and prompted other candidates, like state Rep. Lee Reeves, to withdraw and endorse him. Van Epps' clear lead in the primary with 19,001 votes positions him as a strong contender in the general election scheduled for December 2, 2025. As both candidates prepare for the upcoming election, political analysts are closely observing how the results will impact broader electoral trends. The District 7 contest not only serves as a measure of local voter sentiment but also acts as an early indicator of the potential direction of the 2026 midterms. Depending on the outcomes, the election results could either strengthen the Republican hold or signal a shift toward Democratic policies in this competitive district.