Tennessee Special Election Live Updates: Trump Backs 7th ...

America’s political spotlight is on Tennessee as voters in the 7th congressional district head to the polls Tuesday, December 2, for a special election to replace former Republican Rep. Mark Green. The race has tightened in recent weeks, drawing national attention as both parties fight for control of a seat just west of Nashville.

What to Know:

The district includes parts of Davidson County and 13 other counties.
Republican candidate Matt Van Epps, a decorated Army veteran, leads Democrat Aftyn Behn, a state representative, by 2 points in the latest Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey—within the margin of error.
Top GOP figures, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and President Donald Trump, have campaigned for Van Epps.
Behn has drawn support from leading Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris.
The race comes amid Democratic momentum in off‑year elections, including wins in New Jersey, Virginia and New York City.
Green resigned in July to enter the private sector, leaving the seat open. He had won reelection in 2024 with nearly 60% of the vote.
The district has historically leaned Republican, with Trump carrying it by 22 points in the 2024 presidential election.

Stay with Newsweek as Tennessee voters decide who will fill the 7th district seat.

Dec 02, 2025 at 09:41 AM EST

Who is Aftyn Behn?

Aftyn Behn, a Tennessee state representative since 2023, is the Democratic nominee in Tuesday’s special election for the state’s 7th congressional district. Behn, 36, first entered the legislature after winning a special election to succeed the late Rep. Bill Beck, defeating interim appointee Anthony Davis in the primary and securing more than 75 percent of the vote in the general election.

Before holding office, Behn worked in social services and as a healthcare organizer with the Tennessee Justice Center. In the legislature, she has advanced proposals to repeal the state’s grocery sales tax, codify the Equal Rights Amendment in Tennessee’s constitution, and partnered with Republican colleagues on workplace harassment reforms. She also drew attention in 2025 for confronting federal immigration agents during patrols in Nashville.

Behn currently serves on the Agriculture & Natural Resources, Transportation, Naming & Designating, and Disaster Relief committees. She won the Democratic primary in October against fellow lawmakers Vincent Dixie and Bo Mitchell, as well as businessman Darden Copeland. She now faces Republican Matt Van Epps in a race triggered by the resignation of GOP Rep. Mark Green.

Dec 02, 2025 at 09:36 AM EST

Why is Tennessee having a special election?

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Voters in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District head to the polls Tuesday in a closely watched special election to replace former Rep. Mark Green. The race, normally a safe Republican seat, has tightened as both candidates emphasize affordability amid rising costs.

Republican Matt Van Epps, a Trump‑backed Army veteran, faces Democratic state Rep. Aftyn Behn, who has campaigned on lowering healthcare and grocery expenses. National figures have weighed in: President Donald Trump called into Van Epps’ rally Monday, while former Vice President Al Gore and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez joined virtual events for Behn.

The contest comes as Democrats have outperformed expectations in recent special elections, raising hopes of another upset. More than $5 million has been spent on advertising, with both parties pouring resources into the district.

Republicans have attacked Behn over past comments on policing and Nashville, while she counters that her record reflects a commitment to affordability and local decision‑making. With the GOP’s House majority already fragile, the outcome could carry national implications.

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