Republicans kept control of a key congressional seat in deep-red Tennessee on Tuesday night, with GOP nominee Matt Van Epps winning a closely watched special election by nine points.
According to Fox News, Van Epps defeated Democrat Aftyn Behn in the race to replace former Rep. Mark Green, who resigned in June to take a private-sector job.
“This race was bigger than just one campaign,” Van Epps said after declaring victory. “It represented a defining moment for Tennessee and for the direction of the country.”
The contest was viewed as critical for Republicans as they work to maintain a narrow majority in the House.
President Donald Trump won Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District by 22 points in last year’s presidential election, and Green carried it by similarly large margins in recent cycles.
Still, energized Democrats poured resources into the district after a strong showing in the 2025 elections, making the race unexpectedly competitive.
Van Epps brushed aside questions about winning by a specific margin, telling Fox News Digital earlier Tuesday that “a win is a win.” But he added that his team was pushing hard to deliver the strongest showing possible.
Behn, a state lawmaker and former healthcare organizer who was compared by some to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, struck an optimistic tone in her concession speech.
“Although tonight is not the final result of what we wanted…it is the beginning of something so powerful in Tennessee and across the South,” she said.
Speaking to supporters earlier in the day, she added, “Whatever happens, win or lose, you’ve inspired a country. You’ve shown people the South has something to say.”
Behn argued that her campaign tapped into shifting attitudes. “I think the electorate is shifting to accept a candidate like me that has a progressive track record,” she said, emphasizing affordability and healthcare throughout her run.
Republican leaders framed Van Epps’ win as an affirmation of their agenda. NRCC Chair Rep. Richard Hudson congratulated him, saying Tennesseans “know they can trust Van Epps to fight for their safety, security, and prosperity.”
Trump, whose endorsement helped Van Epps secure the GOP nomination, celebrated the win on social media. “Another great night for the Republican Party!!!” he wrote.
Van Epps thanked the president directly in his victory speech. “President Trump was all-in with us. That made the difference,” he said. “In Congress, I’ll be all-in with him.”
Still, Democrats pointed to Behn’s performance as a sign of momentum. DNC Chair Ken Martin called it “a flashing warning sign for Republicans heading into the midterms,” arguing that no GOP seat should be considered safe.
Outside groups poured millions into the race, and the final days brought a parade of high-profile surrogates. House Speaker Mike Johnson campaigned across the district with Van Epps, urging Trump supporters to turn out.
Trump spoke to voters during a phone call Johnson placed at a rally, telling them, “The whole world is watching Tennessee right now.”
Behn countered with support from Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Black Voters Matter co-founder LaTosha Brown, and former Vice President Al Gore.
Republicans also attacked Behn over past statements, including comments criticizing Nashville’s tourism culture and a 2019 op-ed titled “Tennessee is a racist state, and so is its legislature.” They resurfaced old social media remarks as well.
“Clearly, I’m living rent-free in President Trump’s mind,” Behn joked Monday. Asked about the GOP criticism, she added, “I always love to hear from my fans.”
Behn defended her record as an organizer and legislator, saying she ran on a straightforward message about the affordability crisis. “They don’t have a remedy for it,” she said of Republicans.
Van Epps dismissed Democratic optimism after his win. “This is a victory for Republicans. It’s a victory for our district. It’s a victory for President Trump,” he said. “We are going to take this momentum forward, and we’re going to win in 2026.”
