A special election in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, once expected to attract little notice in the reliably Republican region, has become a significant national contest as both parties increase spending and send high-profile surrogates into the state ahead of the Dec. 2 vote.
According to The Associated Press, the race is the first federal election since Democrats secured major victories on Nov. 4, results many viewed as a setback for President Donald Trump.
Republicans are now seeking to counter that narrative by investing heavily in the contest and urging Trump to travel to Tennessee after he held a virtual rally for the GOP nominee last week.
Party strategists say a narrow Republican win — or a loss — would raise concerns about the GOP’s standing heading into next year’s midterm elections. The district, which Trump and former Republican Rep. Mark Green each carried by more than 20 points in 2024, has not typically been considered competitive.
MAGA Inc., a super PAC aligned with Trump, has spent more than $1 million in support of Republican candidate Matt Van Epps.
It is the group’s first major investment since the 2024 presidential race. Rep. Tim Burchett, a Tennessee Republican, said the timing of the election shortly after Thanksgiving poses turnout challenges, adding, “I’m very concerned that we could be caught with our pants down.”
The White House did not respond to a request for comment about efforts to bring Trump to the district. Two people familiar with the discussions, who were not authorized to speak publicly, confirmed that a request has been made.
Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn, a state representative and community organizer, is also drawing national support. Democratic Party chair Ken Martin campaigned with her, and former Vice President Kamala Harris appeared at a Nashville canvassing kickoff during her book tour, although the two did not appear together.
Democratic National Committee deputy executive director Libby Schneider said that a strong performance by Behn would provide momentum, noting that Democrats have exceeded expectations in recent special elections. In four special House contests earlier this year, Democratic candidates outperformed Harris’ 2024 vote share by an average of nine points.
Behn, who narrowly won her primary, has made affordability her central message, highlighting her support for eliminating Tennessee’s grocery tax. “If you are upset about the cost of living and the chaos of Washington, we are your campaign,” she said during a rally in Nashville.
Van Epps, a former Army helicopter pilot and state general services commissioner, has campaigned on lowering costs, supporting veterans, backing Trump’s immigration policies, and maintaining rules that bar transgender women from competing in women’s sports. During a virtual rally with Trump, he told the president, “I will have your back 100%.”
Behn has criticized Van Epps’ support for Trump’s tax and spending package, the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” as well as his position on tariffs. She has also targeted Republicans for opposing efforts to release more documents related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Van Epps initially opposed forcing the Justice Department to disclose the materials, but reversed his position after Trump endorsed the measure this week.
Outside groups are heavily involved. Your Community PAC, which has supported Democratic candidates nationwide, is circulating mailers encouraging Republicans to vote for conservative independent candidate Jon Thorp and describing Van Epps as a “hedge fund billionaire-backed RINO.” The North Fund, a nonprofit supporting left-leaning advocacy groups, is the PAC’s largest donor.
Conservatives for American Excellence, backed by donor Ken Griffin, has spent more than $600,000 opposing Behn, while Club for Growth has invested $300,000 on ads highlighting her past description of herself as “radical.”
Tennessee political strategist Chip Saltsman, who is not involved in the race, said he expects Van Epps to win but suggested the outcome may be closer than past results. The increased spending, he said, may cause “a little heartburn,” but both sides appear to be executing their strategies as the election approaches.
