Democrats, Republicans Make Final Push in Congressional Election Battle

With just one week remaining until the special election in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, both major parties are investing heavily in what has unexpectedly become a hotly contested race. Republican and Democratic groups have poured millions into advertising for the December 2 contest, which could have significant implications for control of the House of Representatives.

The GOP currently holds a razor-thin 219-213 majority in the House, making every seat crucial. Tennessee’s 7th District, which stretches from the Kentucky border to Alabama and includes parts of Nashville, has traditionally been a Republican stronghold. Former President Donald Trump carried the district by 22 points in the last presidential election.

Republican nominee Matt Van Epps, a military combat veteran who served nine tours and former commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services, faces Democratic challenger Aftyn Behn, a state representative and former healthcare community organizer. Van Epps has received Trump’s endorsement in the race to succeed former GOP Rep. Mark Green, who resigned in June to take a position in the private sector.

“The stakes are exceptionally high, especially in the light of the results from the 2025 elections,” Vanderbilt University professor of political science John Greer told Fox News Digital. “Republicans are worried that this district, which is normally safe, could in fact swing to the Democrats.”

Democrats enter the race energized by their sweeping victories in high-profile contests earlier this month. Behn, whom some have dubbed the “AOC of Tennessee,” has focused her campaign on economic concerns that resonated with voters in recent elections.

“Angry about high grocery prices? Worried about health care costs? Feeling burned by tariffs? Then Dec. 2 is your day to shake up Washington,” Behn says in her campaign’s closing advertisement, positioning herself as a check on Trump’s party in Congress.

While Van Epps highlights his military background, both candidates have emphasized addressing cost-of-living concerns. Van Epps’ advertising touts his mission “to bring down prices, create good-paying jobs and lower healthcare costs for working families.”

The contest has attracted significant outside spending. Trump-aligned super PAC MAGA Inc. and the fiscally conservative Club for Growth have each invested seven figures in the race. Conservatives for American Excellence, backed by Republican megadonors, has also made substantial contributions.

Though spending less than their Republican counterparts, Democratic outside groups are supporting Behn’s campaign. Last week, House Majority PAC, the principal group backing House Democratic candidates, announced a $1 million investment in the Tennessee race.

The campaign has intensified in recent days, with Republicans targeting Behn over past controversial statements. They’ve highlighted comments from a 2020 podcast where she said, “I hate the city, I hate the bachelorettes, I hate the pedal taverns, I hate country music, I hate all of the things that make Nashville apparently an ‘it’ city to the rest of the country.” Republicans have also drawn attention to a 2019 op-ed titled “Tennessee is a racist state, and so is its legislature,” as well as anti-police comments from a now-deleted social media account.

Behn’s campaign has dismissed these attacks. Campaign manager Kate Briefs said in a statement Monday, “The attacks from Washington Republicans are getting louder because their agenda is deeply unpopular—and because early vote returns show this race is a dead heat.”

While the district remains solidly red overall, it includes portions of Nashville, a Democratic stronghold and the state’s most populous city. The district encompasses parts of north and west Nashville, including the downtown area, a popular tourist destination and center for the country music industry.

Despite Behn’s campaign pointing to “a surge of first-time and infrequent voters” during early voting, Vanderbilt’s Greer predicted that turnout in this special election would likely be low, based on early voting indicators.

“I still think the Democrats have an uphill climb,” Greer concluded. “But the fact that Republicans and Democrats are pouring money into the race, both sides see some evidence it could be close.”

The outcome of this race could have significant implications beyond Tennessee, potentially affecting the balance of power in the closely divided House of Representatives as the country looks ahead to the next congressional session.