Nashville, Tennessee, October 8, 2025
News Summary
Aftyn Behn, the Democratic state representative, will compete against Matt Van Epps, a former Republican commissioner, in a special election for Tennessee’s 7th U.S. Congressional District. The election is set for December 2, 2025, following a contentious primary season where both candidates showcased significant support. This election is crucial as it reflects public sentiment on current Republican leadership and the influence of Donald Trump in the area.
Nashville, Tennessee – Democratic Nashville state representative Aftyn Behn and Republican former Tennessee General Services Commissioner Matt Van Epps will face off in a special election for Tennessee’s 7th U.S. Congressional District, scheduled for December 2, 2025. This election follows Behn’s narrow victory in the Democratic primary, where she secured approximately 28% of the vote against multiple candidates. Van Epps decisively won the GOP primary with around 49% of the vote, defeating ten other contenders, including state Rep. Jody Barrett, who garnered about 27% of the votes.
Van Epps’ strong performance in the primaries was bolstered by support from Clarksville, his military connections, an endorsement from former U.S. Representative Mark Green, and a key late endorsement from President Donald Trump. The GOP primary saw approximately 35,000 votes cast, amidst a backdrop of significant spending, with $2.5 million allocated to independent expenditures supporting the GOP candidates. Van Epps received notable backing of $750,000 from dark money political action committees (PACs).
The Democratic primary included four candidates, all of whom secured over 20% of the votes. Businessman Darden Copeland trailed closely behind Behn in the race. Behn’s victory is indicative of a growing trend towards progressive candidates in competitive districts, underscoring her effective grassroots campaigning that focused on energizing voters and advocating for women’s rights, particularly in opposition to Tennessee’s restrictive abortion laws.
The 7th District encompasses the northern and western parts of Davidson County, segments of Williamson and Montgomery Counties, as well as numerous rural counties. This special election follows the resignation of former Representative Mark Green in July, which led to the urgent need for a new representative. As it stands, Republicans maintain a narrow majority in the U.S. House with 219-213 seats. While a Democratic win would not shift the majority, it could narrow their lead and have implications for future races.
In total, over $3.1 million was reportedly spent in the race, primarily by independent groups supporting GOP candidates, alongside significant funding targeted at undermining Barrett’s campaign. The redistricting of the 7th District by Tennessee Republicans in 2022 aimed to secure a reliably Republican seat, with former President Donald Trump winning over 60% of the vote in the area during the 2024 presidential election. Polling indicated a competitive atmosphere among Democratic candidates leading up to the primary, highlighting the district’s potential for varying electoral outcomes.
As national attention turns toward the December special election, observers note it may serve as a measure of public sentiment towards current Republican leadership and Trump’s influence in the region. With the stakes high for both parties, this election represents a pivotal moment in Tennessee’s political landscape.
FAQ
Who are the candidates in the special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District?
The candidates are Aftyn Behn, a Democratic state representative from Nashville, and Matt Van Epps, a former Republican Tennessee General Services Commissioner.
When is the special election scheduled?
The special election will be held on December 2, 2025.
What was the outcome of the primaries for the candidates?
Aftyn Behn won the Democratic primary with approximately 28% of the vote, while Matt Van Epps secured about 49% of the GOP primary votes.
What was the level of spending in the election?
Over $3.1 million was reportedly spent in the race, mostly by independent groups supporting the GOP side.
What is the significance of the special election?
The special election serves as a referendum on current Republican leadership and Trump’s influence in the area, which is attracting national attention.
Key Features of the Special Election
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Election Date | December 2, 2025 |
| Democratic Candidate | Aftyn Behn (28% primary vote) |
| Republican Candidate | Matt Van Epps (49% primary vote) |
| Major Endorsements | Mark Green, Donald Trump |
| Total Spending | $3.1 million+ |
| District Characteristics | Northern & western parts of Davidson County, parts of Williamson & Montgomery Counties, rural counties |
| Political Landscape | Republicans hold a 219-213 majority in the House |
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Additional Resources
- New York Times: Tennessee US House 7 Special Election Results
- NBC News: Tennessee House Results
- Tennessee Lookout: Van Epps and Behn Win Primaries
- Fox News: Aftyn Behn Advances in Special Election
- Wikipedia: 2025 United States Special Election in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District
Author: HERE Nashville
The NASHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENashville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Nashville, Davidson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as CMA Fest, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, and Nashville Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Nashville Health Care Council, plus leading businesses in healthcare, automotive, and technology that power the local economy such as HCA Healthcare, Bridgestone Americas, and Asurion. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HEREMemphis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
