Key Congressional Election in Tennessee: Trump and GOP Bet on Red District

Fri Dec 05 2025 14:40:51 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As Tennessee prepares to vote for the next representative in the 7th U.S. House District, Republicans, led by Trump, are striving to reclaim momentum after recent election losses. Meanwhile, Democrats aim to make inroads in a traditionally conservative area.

Tennessee voters will soon decide the next representative for the 7th Congressional District, an important race for both parties. With significant financial backing from Trump-affiliated entities, Republican candidate Matt Van Epps vies for the seat following Republican Rep. Mark Green's resignation. Democrats, emboldened by recent wins elsewhere, are backing state Rep. Aftyn Behn in hopes of signaling momentum ahead of the midterm elections. The election outcome may impact perceptions of party strength as both sides gear up for future battles.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — As Tennessee gears up for the election of its next representative for the 7th U.S. House District, President Donald Trump and the Republican Party are looking to rebound from recent electoral defeats. This special election follows the resignation of Republican Rep. Mark Green and has attracted significant attention and spending from both parties.

Republican candidate Matt Van Epps has received over $1 million in backing from MAGA Inc., highlighting the race’s importance to the GOP. Leaders such as House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republican chair Joe Gruters made appearances to rally support while Trump contributed through a phone address and a tele-rally for Van Epps.

In contrast, Democrats aim to capitalize on recent successes in New Jersey and Virginia, hoping that a strong performance in Tennessee will continue their momentum heading into the midterm elections. State Rep. Aftyn Behn, the Democratic candidate, has also garnered significant financial support, including $1 million from the House Majority PAC. Key Democratic figures, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and Al Gore, have campaigned for Behn, emphasizing the stakes for the party in this traditionally conservative district.

The 7th District was redrawn to diminish Nashville’s influence, with voters in the city now comprising only about 20% of the electorate. This shift has historically benefited Republican candidates, with Green winning the seat by a considerable margin last year. However, Democrats argue that closing the gap in this election is crucial for evoking a sense of resurgence within the party as they prepare for crucial contests next year.

Concerns loom over voter turnout, particularly due to the timing of early voting coinciding with the Thanksgiving holiday. Both parties are leveraging the community's sentiments, with Republicans attempting to undermine Behn over controversial remarks she made about Nashville, and Democrats pressing on issues impacting the everyday lives of voters, such as the rising cost of living.

As electrifying debates unfold and campaign efforts intensify, the outcome of the 7th District vote will be closely watched, heralding potential implications for the future of both parties.