Republican Matt Van Epps narrowly won Tennessee’s special House election on Tuesday, holding a seat that is usually a GOP stronghold. Backed heavily by President Donald Trump and national Republican groups, Van Epps defeated Democrat Aftyn Behn with 53.9% of the vote, according to the Associated Press.
The party viewed the race as unusually competitive after recent Democratic gains nationwide and internal polling showing a tight contest.
Welcome to the @HouseGOP, Congressman-elect Matt Van Epps! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/HUw5T3qlxU
— House Republicans (@HouseGOP) December 3, 2025
The election was triggered by the July resignation of Rep. Mark Green. Tennessee’s 7th District became safely Republican after a 2022 redistricting plan split Nashville’s Democratic base across multiple GOP-leaning districts.
Van Epps, a West Point graduate and former National Guard helicopter pilot, campaigned on fiscal conservatism, border security, and alignment with Trump’s agenda.
THANK YOU, TENNESSEE 🇺🇸#TN07 #MattforTN pic.twitter.com/RJJiwOWi0H
— Matt Van Epps for Congress (@MattForTN) December 3, 2025
His win preserves the GOP’s narrow House majority but the reduced margin signals challenges ahead, with Democrats calling the close race another warning sign for Republicans.
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TIPP Staff
TIPP Staff
