Matt Van Epps Wins Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District Special Election, Highlighting Affordability Ahead of 2026 Midterms
Published: December 3, 2025
In a pivotal special election held on December 2, 2025, Republican Matt Van Epps has claimed victory in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, setting the tone for the 2026 midterms that are expected to focus heavily on affordability and economic issues. Van Epps defeated Democrat Aftyn Behn by an 8.9% margin in what observers note was a significant improvement in Democratic performance compared to previous cycles.
The special election became necessary following a vacancy in the seat representing a largely suburban and rural district in Tennessee. Van Epps, who previously served as a state representative, secured 51.56% of the vote in a crowded Republican primary before facing Behn in the general election. Behn, a progressive Democrat, earned 27.89% of her party’s primary vote prior to the general contest.
Election Results and Geographic Breakdown
Van Epps carried twelve of the fourteen counties within the district, demonstrating broad support across the region. Meanwhile, Behn won the two counties she represented in the Tennessee State House, Dickson and Hickman counties, showing localized Democratic strength. The final general election margin of victory reflected a competitive race that energized voters on both sides.
Implications for the 2026 Midterm Elections
This special election is widely seen as a bellwether for the upcoming midterms, where issues of affordability—including healthcare, housing, and energy costs—are dominating voter concerns nationwide. Political analysts interpret Van Epps’ win as an endorsement of GOP strategies that emphasize economic stability through conservative fiscal policies, while Democratic gains in some counties signal growing appetite for change in affordable living policies.
Both parties are expected to sharpen their focus on affordability to mobilize voters in 2026, with campaigns possibly centering on inflation relief, job creation, and cost-of-living support measures. The close nature of the special election is likely to spur intensified campaign efforts throughout Tennessee and similar districts nationwide.
Candidate Backgrounds and Campaigns
Matt Van Epps leveraged his experience as a state legislator and a connection to rural and suburban constituents who prioritize economic pragmatism. His campaign highlighted efforts to stabilize taxes and regulatory policies to stimulate growth. On the other hand, Aftyn Behn ran on a progressive platform advocating for expanded social services, increased minimum wages, and investment in green energy projects to lower long-term costs for families.
Looking Forward
As Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District prepares for regular elections in 2026, both parties will analyze this special election for lessons on messaging, voter engagement, and issue prioritization. The decisive turnout and competitive margin underscore the district’s status as a political battleground where affordability issues resonate significantly with the electorate.
With affordability set to remain at the forefront of political discourse, these results offer a microcosm of the policy debates and electoral dynamics likely to shape the broader national landscape as the 2026 midterms approach.