Matt Van Epps won Tuesday’s special election in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, securing the seat for Republicans and defeating Democratic nominee Aftyn Behn in a race that drew outsized national attention. The race was called roughly an hour and fifteen minutes after polls closed, as precincts across the district quickly showed Van Epps maintaining a decisive lead.
The contest became a late-year focal point for national Republicans. President Trump held three tele-rallies for Van Epps, an unusually high level of engagement for a single House special election, while House Speaker Mike Johnson traveled to Franklin on Monday to campaign with him in person. Van Epps also benefited from unified backing across Tennessee’s GOP leadership, including U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Gov. Bill Lee and U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty.
Republican leaders reacted quickly as results came in, posting messages of support on X, while President Trump issued his congratulations on Truth Social.
Blackburn wrote on X, “Congratulations to my friend @MattforTN on his victory tonight in the TN-7 Special Election! Tonight, Tennessee rejected Democrats’ radical beliefs and showed the nation why we’re the best state to live, work, and rear a family. I can’t wait to work with Congressman Van Epps to make Tennessee America’s conservative leader!”
President Trump wrote on Truth Social, “Congratulations to Matt Van Epps on his BIG Congressional WIN in the Great State of Tennessee. The Radical Left Democrats threw everything at him, including Millions of Dollars. Another great night for the Republican Party!!!”
Rep. Tim Burchett posted on X, “A win for the Volunteer State! Common sense prevails. Congratulations to my friend, and newest colleague, @MattForTN.”
Rep. John Rose wrote on X, “🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 Congratulations to @MattForTN for saving #TN07 from the Radical Left! I look forward to serving alongside Matt as we put America First with @realDonaldTrump.”
Sen. Bill Hagerty posted on X, “Congratulations to @MattforTN on a hard-fought victory and to every Tennessean who stood up to keep the 7th red! Matt will bring a new passion and grit to our delegation, and I’m excited to keep up the fight for Tennesseans with your new Congressman.”
More reaction and a detailed county-by-county breakdown to come as results continue reporting.
