Tennessee’s 7th District has selected Matt Van Epps as its new Congressman-elect. This outcome followed a heated primary and closely watched special election, framing the contest as a test of Republican resilience and President Trump’s continuing influence. Van Epps, a U.S. Army veteran, claimed victory on December 2, emphasizing the race’s stakes amid national attention.
Immediately after the results, Trump congratulated Van Epps via social media, reinforcing the idea that his endorsement was vital to the win. “Congratulations Matt. A BIG WIN!” he declared, a testament to the impact of his backing in a polarized political landscape. Van Epps acknowledged the significance of Trump’s support, stating, “The endorsement made the difference, and I will never forget it.”
Within a crowded Republican primary, Van Epps distinguished himself with 51% of the vote, outpacing rivals, including State Rep. Jody Barrett and Gino Bulso. His background as a decorated combat pilot and former commissioner under Governor Bill Lee underscored his appeal among voters with military and patriotic sentiments. The Republican base solidified its strength in a district that heavily favors GOP candidates. In the general election against Democratic contender Aftyn Behn, Van Epps secured an estimated 18-point win, maintaining the district’s Republican lean, which Trump previously carried by over 20 points.
Behn’s progressive campaign addressed issues like healthcare and tax equity. Despite garnering substantial grassroots support and raising approximately $1.2 million—more than Van Epps’s nearly $993,000—she could not overcome the advantages held by her opponent. Financial backing for Van Epps came from political action committees like the School Freedom Fund and Conservatives for American Excellence, which contributed over $1.4 million to aid his campaign. The total outside expenditure in the race exceeded $3.1 million, significantly impacting voter messaging and mobilization.
The election’s timing played a crucial role in shaping the narrative. Following Rep. Mark Green’s resignation in July 2025 for a private-sector role, Van Epps positioned himself as the natural successor to the district’s conservative legacy and an advocate of Trump’s policies. “I will stand shoulder to shoulder with President Trump to advance our America First agenda,” he asserted during one of his campaign events, further solidifying his alignment with the former president.
Key issues driving voter decisions included border security, veteran care, inflation, and government spending. Van Epps’s commitment to addressing these concerns resonated with an electorate focused on maintaining a tough stance on immigration, echoing Trump’s own rhetoric. As noted by the National Republican Congressional Committee’s Reilly Richardson, Van Epps’s military experience positioned him well among constituents, particularly those tied to the large military community at Fort Campbell.
Conversely, Behn represented a Democratic effort to gain traction in a district traditionally dominated by Republicans. As a co-founder of a progressive group focused on challenging Tennessee’s abortion restrictions, she sought to ignite a people-powered campaign, stating, “Organizers can still win, and Democrats in the Deep South aren’t done yet,” after her defeat.
The redistricting efforts of 2021 aimed to solidify Republican control, making it challenging for Democrats in the 7th District to achieve victory. Rated R+10 by the Cook Political Report, the district reflects a demographic that leans heavily towards the GOP, despite efforts to engage urban voters in areas like Northern Nashville. Although Behn improved Democratic margins from previous cycles, the gap remained too wide for a successful challenge to Van Epps’s candidacy.
National interest in the race also indicated a broader context, with special elections in 2025 presenting insights into the political landscape as voters approach the 2026 midterms. For the Republican Party, maintaining districts like the 7th is critical to sustaining their narrow majority in Congress.
Van Epps’s victory underscores Trump’s enduring influence and illustrates his ability to unify the party. Following a tele-rally endorsement from Trump shortly before the primary, Van Epps’s competitors quickly fell in line, consolidating support and preventing the race from becoming fragmented. This highlights the former president’s “kingmaker” status in local contests.
The financial resources funneled into the race showcased the power of coordinated spending and targeted media outreach. Significant investments aimed at undecided voters criticized opponents for being lax on border security and insufficiently aligned with conservative values. Marketed messaging effectively molded public perception and was instrumental in boosting Van Epps’s profile among the electorate.
As Van Epps prepares to step into Congress, he joins a group of freshmen facing complex discussions over issues like federal spending and immigration policy—areas where his veteran experience and staunch conservative stance may play pivotal roles.
The outcome in Tennessee’s 7th District serves as a stabilizing force for Republicans amid broader national uncertainties. It showcases a candidate who merges military credibility with a strong connection to Trump’s priorities, reinforcing traditional conservative values in a region increasingly defined by its military and faith communities. For Democrats, this defeat highlights the persistent challenges faced in turning red districts blue, despite enthusiasm for grassroots movements. Van Epps’s success, while not dramatically altering the balance of power in Washington, underscores the continuing loyalty among voters to cherished conservative principles—service, security, and strong immigration policies—coupled with a clear backing from Trump.
“He will be a GREAT Congressman!!!” Trump tweeted following the election. Early indications suggest that his supporters believe so too.
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