Tennessee 7th District Special Election 2025: Matt Van Epps Wins – GOP Holds Seat, Dems Cut Margin
Updated: December 3, 2025 | TheInShortNews – U.S. Elections
In a closely watched showdown, the Tennessee 7th district special election 2025 ended with Republican Matt Van Epps claiming victory over Democrat Aftyn Behn. Van Epps, an Army veteran and former state official, secured 53.9% of the vote to Behn’s 45.1% – a 9-point win in a district Trump carried by 22 points last year.
The race, the final special election of 2025, drew millions in spending from both parties. Republicans defended the seat vacated by Rep. Mark Green, while Democrats aimed to flip it amid national gains in New Jersey and Virginia. Though GOP held firm, Behn’s performance narrowed the margin dramatically from 2024.
Matt Van Epps Wins TN Election: Victory Speech Highlights
Van Epps celebrated in Nashville, thanking Trump for his endorsement. “You sent a clear message,” he told supporters. “The people of Middle Tennessee stand proudly behind President Donald Trump.” He vowed to focus on “security, opportunity, and prosperity,” echoing Green’s border work.
Trump posted on Truth Social: “Congratulations to Matt Van Epps on his BIG Congressional WIN… Another great night for the Republican Party!!!” RNC Chair Joe Gruters called it a rejection of Democrats’ “radical platform.”
• Van Epps (R): 53.9% (95,800 votes)
• Behn (D): 45.1% (80,200 votes)
• Turnout: 179,000 (low off-year)
• Margin: 9 points (vs Trump’s 22 in 2024)
• GOP spending: $3.5M+ on ads
Source: AP Vote Count (95% in)
Aftyn Behn Overperformance: Dems See Midterm Hope
Behn, a Nashville state rep dubbed “Tennessee’s AOC,” outperformed every Democrat in the district in 40 years. She led early voting but lost on Election Day turnout. DNC Chair Ken Martin hailed it as “historic overperformance” and a “warning sign for Republicans heading into midterms.”
Behn teased a 2026 rematch. “Democrats are on offense,” Martin said. National Dems spent $1.8M, with Harris and Martin canvassing. Behn raised $1.23M to Van Epps’ $993K, focusing on affordability and “feed kids, fix roads.”
Trump Backed Van Epps: Campaign War of Words
Trump held tele-rallies and attacked Behn as “radical.” GOP super PACs (MAGA Inc. $1.7M) used her “abolish-the-police” clips. House Speaker Mike Johnson joined Van Epps Monday, warning of low turnout risks.
Dem ads hit Van Epps on Epstein files vote. Behn’s team knocked 70K doors, made 185K calls. The fiery ad war ($5M total) made it a national bellwether.
TN House Special Election Results: What It Means for 2026
GOP’s narrow hold pads their slim House majority. But Dem gains signal midterm trouble – echoing 2025 flips in NJ, VA. Van Epps eyes Armed Services Committee, keeping Guard commission.
Experts note Behn’s run-up in Nashville/urban areas. Republicans spent millions to defend; Dems see path to purple. Watch 2026 for rematch fire.
Stay with TheInShortNews for full Tennessee 7th district special election 2025 analysis and Matt Van Epps wins TN election updates.
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