Republican Matt Van Epps has been projected as the winner of the closely watched special election for Tennessee’s U.S. House seat in the 7th congressional district, according to the Baltimore Chronicle. The victory avoids a potential Democratic upset in a tighter-than-expected contest.
With nearly all votes counted, Van Epps led Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn by roughly nine points, 53.9% to 45%. The district, a deep-red area in Tennessee, was previously carried by President Donald Trump by 22 points in the 2024 election.
During his victory speech Tuesday night, Van Epps praised Trump’s endorsement, saying it “made all the difference” in the campaign. He also sought to calm Republican concerns that Democrats’ surprisingly strong showing could signal vulnerabilities ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Trump congratulated Van Epps on social media, calling it a “BIG congressional WIN” and describing it as “another great night for the Republican Party!!!”
Despite the loss, Behn closed the gap significantly in the historically Republican district. Democrats framed the result as evidence of growing momentum, citing their recent gubernatorial victories in Virginia and New Jersey as part of a potential “blue wave” building toward 2026. In a post-election statement, Behn told supporters that the campaign’s grassroots efforts had changed what was possible in the district and left the door open to another run for the seat next year.
The special election followed weeks of intense campaigning, with high-profile endorsements from both sides, including Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson for Van Epps, and former Democratic Vice Presidents Kamala Harris and Al Gore for Behn. Both parties invested millions in outside spending, with Republicans significantly outspending Democrats.
The 7th congressional district covers rural northern and southern Tennessee, including parts of Nashville, and had been vacated by Republican Mark Green, who resigned in July. As the projected winner, Van Epps will serve a shortened term and must run again for the seat in the 2026 midterms.
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin praised Behn’s performance, noting her focus on addressing grocery, housing, and healthcare costs for local families. Martin described her overperformance as historic in a Trump +22 district and a warning for Republicans heading into the next midterm elections.
Van Epps’ victory increases the Republican majority in the House from 219 to 220 seats, strengthening their ability to advance Trump-aligned legislation. Democrats currently hold 213 seats.
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