Nashville, Tennessee, October 11, 2025
News Summary
Matt Van Epps and Aftyn Behn have won nominations in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District special primaries, setting the stage for a general election on December 2, 2025. Van Epps, backed by former Congressman Mark Green and President Trump, led the Republican field, while Behn, focusing on accountability and campaign finance issues, secured the Democratic nomination. The primary voter turnout was notable, with Republicans casting around 36,000 votes and Democrats nearly 31,000, indicating a potential shift in the traditionally Republican-leaning district.
Nashville, Tennessee – Matt Van Epps and Aftyn Behn have secured nominations in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District special primaries, positioning themselves for a head-to-head contest in the upcoming general election scheduled for December 2, 2025. The special election was called following the resignation of former Congressman Mark Green, who left the seat in July.
In the Republican primary, Van Epps emerged as the frontrunner amidst a crowded field that included several hard-line conservatives and a man pardoned for his role in the January 6, 2021 riots. The Associated Press confirmed Van Epps’s victory, who was endorsed by former Representative Mark Green and received a significant boost when President Donald Trump endorsed him shortly before the election.
Aftyn Behn won the Democratic primary, facing off against three other candidates, including two state representatives and a Nashville businessman. Behn successfully highlighted her opponents’ ties to payday lender Advance Financial during a forum, setting her apart as a candidate focused on accountability and campaign finance ethics. The Democratic primary saw a tighter contest, but Behn was able to secure the nomination.
Voter turnout in the special primary elections showed approximately 36,000 votes cast by Republicans, while Democrats cast nearly 31,000 votes. This turnout marked a significant moment, as it indicated a better performance for Democrats compared to previous elections in the district, which typically leans heavily Republican.
The 7th Congressional District encompasses parts of Davidson, Williamson, and Montgomery Counties, and includes several rural counties. Notably, the district was redrawn in 2022, leading to reduced representation for Nashville in Congress. Historically, the district has favored Republican candidates, with Green winning previous elections by substantial margins.
Campaign financing also played a critical role, with outside groups pouring over $3.1 million targeting Republican candidates, which further underscored the advantages held by GOP candidates in this race. Behn’s campaign, grounded in her background as a social worker and community organizer, positioned her as a progressive candidate focused on women’s reproductive health rights and reforming fundraising practices in politics.
In summary, Van Epps and Behn’s nominations place them in a unique electoral landscape that reflects shifting voter sentiments in a traditionally Republican-dominated district. The results of this primary will be crucial as both candidates prepare for the upcoming general election in December 2025.
FAQ
Who are the nominees for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District special election?
Matt Van Epps is the Republican nominee, and Aftyn Behn is the Democratic nominee for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District special election.
What was the voter turnout for the special primaries?
Approximately 36,000 Republican voters and nearly 31,000 Democratic voters participated in the special primaries.
When is the general election for the 7th Congressional District?
The general election for the 7th Congressional District is scheduled for December 2, 2025.
What significant issues did Aftyn Behn address during her campaign?
Aftyn Behn focused on women’s reproductive health rights and accountability regarding campaign financing, particularly criticizing her opponents for accepting donations from payday lenders.
What is the historical voting trend for the 7th Congressional District?
The 7th Congressional District has historically voted sharply Republican, with former Congressman Mark Green winning by significant margins in previous elections.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Nominees | Matt Van Epps (Republican), Aftyn Behn (Democrat) |
| Special Election Date | December 2, 2025 |
| Voter Turnout | Republicans: ~36,000; Democrats: ~31,000 |
| District Composition | Parts of Davidson, Williamson, and Montgomery Counties |
| Campaign Contributions | Over $3.1 million from outside groups, mostly for GOP candidates |
| Key Issues | Women’s reproductive health rights, campaign finance reform |
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Additional Resources
- The New York Times: Tennessee US House 7 Special Election Results
- USA Today: Tennessee Primary Special Election Results
- Politico: Trump-Backed Van Epps and Democrat Behn Win Tennessee Primaries
- ABC News: Parties Pack Ballot for US House Special Primary in Tennessee
- Wikipedia: Tennessee
Author: HERE Nashville
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