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President Trump Rallies Support for Republican Van Epps in Tennessee’s Special Congressional Election
President Donald Trump issued a last-minute appeal to voters in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District on Sunday, urging them to back Republican nominee Matt Van Epps in the December 2 special election.
In a post on Truth Social just two days before the election, Trump called on “all America First Patriots” who haven’t yet cast their ballots to “GET OUT AND VOTE” for Van Epps, a lieutenant colonel in the Tennessee Army National Guard and former Army helicopter pilot.
The former president launched a sharp attack on Van Epps’ Democratic opponent, state Rep. Aftyn Behn, claiming she “hates Christianity, will take away your guns, wants Open Borders, Transgender for everybody, men in women’s sports, and openly disdains Country music.” Trump insisted these statements were documented, writing, “She said all of these things precisely, and without question — IT’S ON TAPE!”
Trump warned his supporters not to take the race for granted, emphasizing that “The Radical Left Democrats are spending a fortune to beat one of the best Candidates we’ve ever had, Matt Van Epps!” He concluded his endorsement by declaring that Van Epps has his “Complete and Total Endorsement” and “WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
Van Epps, who received Trump’s formal endorsement earlier this year, has called the president’s support “an incredible honor.” His military background has been central to his campaign in the traditionally Republican-leaning district.
The special election has gained national attention due to Behn’s past controversial statements, which have become fodder for Republican attacks. Among these are comments critical of Nashville’s country music scene and drinking culture, which have raised eyebrows in a state where country music is deeply interwoven with local identity and tourism.
Perhaps more politically damaging are Behn’s past statements regarding law enforcement. She was previously a vocal advocate for cutting police funding, including suggestions that the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department should be defunded. These comments emerged during the nationwide protests following George Floyd’s death in 2020.
When recently asked to clarify her previous remarks on policing during an appearance on MSNBC’s “The Weekend,” Behn sidestepped the question, saying, “I’m not going to engage in cable news talking points.” Instead, she pivoted to broader themes about local governance, stating, “Our communities need solutions. We need local people deciding, solving local problems with local solutions. And that’s not the overreach of a federal government or state government.”
The special election will fill the seat vacated by former Republican Rep. Mark Green, who resigned from Congress earlier this year, further narrowing the GOP’s slim majority in the House of Representatives. While Tennessee’s 7th District has traditionally been a Republican stronghold, Democrats are hoping to capitalize on an energized base and potentially flip the seat.
Political analysts note that special elections often see lower turnout than regular elections, making voter mobilization efforts like Trump’s last-minute appeal particularly significant. Republicans are concerned about potential complacency in what should be a safe district, while Democrats see an opportunity to make inroads in a red state.
The outcome of this race could have implications beyond Tennessee, potentially affecting the balance of power in the closely divided House of Representatives as Congress heads into its final session before the new members elected in November take office in January.
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8 Comments
Allegations of religious intolerance are serious. I hope both candidates can move the discussion towards substantive policy debates that address the concerns of constituents.
This race seems to be generating a lot of national attention. I hope the candidates can rise above partisan mudslinging and have a substantive debate on the district’s economic and energy priorities.
Well said. The voters deserve a thoughtful, issues-focused campaign.
Sounds like a heated campaign with some sharp rhetoric from Trump. It will be worth looking at the candidates’ actual policy platforms rather than just relying on partisan attacks.
The special election in Tennessee’s 7th district will be an important one to watch, given the high stakes and heated rhetoric. Voters deserve a fact-based discussion of the candidates’ platforms.
As a voter, I’d like to see more focus on the candidates’ qualifications and vision for the district, rather than personal attacks. Issues like energy and mining are crucial for the region.
Agreed, the campaigns should be focusing on the real issues that matter to voters.
Interesting race in Tennessee’s 7th district. I’m curious to learn more about the candidates’ positions on energy and natural resource issues like mining and uranium. Seems like an important race to follow.