Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District race is officially set. Republican Matt Van Epps, bolstered by an endorsement from President Donald Trump, and Democrat Aftyn Behn, a progressive state lawmaker, secured victories in their respective primaries on October 7, 2025. They will now face off in the December 2 special election to fill the vacant U.S. House seat left by Republican Mark Green.

The contest is expected to be closely watched nationwide, serving as both a referendum on Trump’s influence in GOP primaries and a test of Democratic messaging in a deeply conservative district.

Who is Matt Van Epps?

Matt Van Epps, 45, is a former commissioner in Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s administration and a Tennessee Army National Guard lieutenant colonel. He is also a decorated Army Special Operations helicopter pilot.

Van Epps won the Republican primary in a crowded 11-person field, largely thanks to Trump’s endorsement. The backing reshaped the race after early voting, with some rivals suspending their campaigns to throw support behind him.

In his victory speech, Van Epps pledged to “keep this seat RED” and emphasized his loyalty to Trump’s “peace through strength” agenda. He has also been endorsed by Gov. Bill Lee, Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, and former Rep. Mark Green.

Who is Aftyn Behn?

Aftyn Behn, a Democratic state representative, defeated Bo Mitchell, Vincent Dixie, and businessman Darden Copeland in her primary. A former social worker and community organizer, Behn has centered her campaign on reproductive rights, economic fairness, and healthcare access.

She previously made headlines as a plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging a Tennessee law that restricted abortion access for minors. On the campaign trail, Behn has criticized Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” and Republican economic policies, arguing they hurt working-class families.

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Why This Race Matters Nationally

The 7th Congressional District, redrawn by Republicans in 2022 to favor the GOP, spans 14 counties along Tennessee’s borders with Kentucky and Alabama. It includes rural areas, wealthy suburbs, and Fort Campbell, a major military installation. Trump won the district by about 20 points in 2024, and Green held it with double-digit margins.

Still, Democrats hope Behn’s progressive message and grassroots appeal can cut into GOP dominance, especially among suburban women and young voters. For Republicans, a Van Epps victory would signal continued momentum for Trump’s second-term agenda.

Outside groups have already spent over $3.1 million in the race, with most of it targeting GOP candidates during the primary. Analysts expect national political groups to pour more money into the district as December nears.

When is the Election?

The special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District will take place on December 2, 2025. The winner will replace Mark Green, who resigned in June to enter the private sector.

FAQ

Who is Matt Van Epps?

Matt Van Epps is a Republican candidate in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District special election. He is a Tennessee Army National Guard lieutenant colonel, a former Army Special Operations helicopter pilot, and previously served as a state commissioner under Gov. Bill Lee.

Who is Aftyn Behn?

Aftyn Behn is a Democratic state representative and community organizer. She has focused her political career on reproductive rights, healthcare access, and social justice, and is now the Democratic nominee for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District.

Why is there a special election in Tennessee?

The special election was triggered after Republican Rep. Mark Green resigned in June 2025 to take a private sector job.

When is the Tennessee special election?

The general election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District will be held on December 2, 2025.

What role did Donald Trump play in this race?

Donald Trump endorsed Matt Van Epps in the GOP primary, reshaping the contest. His backing led to a landslide Van Epps victory and solidified the race as a test of Trump’s political strength.

What issues is Aftyn Behn campaigning on?

Behn is campaigning on reproductive rights, abortion access, healthcare expansion, and economic fairness. She has been vocal against Republican policies she says hurt working-class families.

What issues is Matt Van Epps campaigning on?

Van Epps emphasizes military strength, national security, veterans’ support, and alignment with Trump’s “America First” agenda. He pledges to defend conservative values and keep the district Republican.

How competitive is Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District?

The district is considered safely Republican after redistricting in 2022. Trump won it by 20 points in 2024, and Mark Green carried it by similar margins. However, Democrats believe changing demographics could narrow the gap.

How much money has been spent on this race?

Outside political groups have already spent more than $3.1 million on the contest, with most funding focused on the GOP primary. Spending is expected to rise ahead of the December election.

What does this election mean for Trump’s influence?

The December race will serve as a test of Trump’s continued sway over Republican voters and candidates. Van Epps’ primary win underscores Trump’s dominance in GOP politics.