Van Epps Secures GOP Nomination in Tennessee’s 7th District, Eyes December Showdown

Matt Van Epps, backed by former President Donald Trump, has emerged victorious from a crowded Republican primary in the special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. The win sets him up for a general election clash on December 2nd against Democratic state Rep. Aftyn Behn, who also secured her party’s nomination.

Van Epps’ victory comes after a late endorsement from Mr. Trump, which followed the close of in-person early voting. He defeated eleven other Republicans vying for the seat vacated by former Rep. Mark Green, who resigned over the summer. Trump’s endorsement, praising Van Epps as an “America First Patriot” and a “Combat Decorated Army Helicopter Pilot,” proved instrumental, with some competitors even suspending their campaigns to back him.

The general election in December is poised to be a significant contest, potentially expanding the GOP’s slim majority in the U.S. House. It will also serve as a barometer for the popularity of Mr. Trump’s political agenda, particularly among Republican-leaning suburban voters in the Nashville area. The 7th District, encompassing 14 counties and parts of Nashville, is considered a safely Republican seat, having been drawn as such in 2022.

Van Epps, who previously served under Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, highlighted his military background during the primary campaign. His opponent, Aftyn Behn, a social worker and community organizer, has focused on women’s reproductive health rights and has been involved in legal challenges against state abortion laws.

The primary saw substantial outside spending, with over $3.1 million invested, predominantly on the Republican side. Both GOP contenders and Democratic candidates used the race to express strong views on national political figures and policies, with Republicans aligning with Mr. Trump and Democrats opposing his legislative initiatives and tariffs.

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