TT 🚨 TENNESSEE JUST TURNED BLOOD RED: GOP’s Matt Van Epps CRUSHES Democrat Aftyn Behn and Keeps That Seat Locked Republican 🔥🇺🇸The Dems poured MILLIONS trying to flip it… and got absolutely buried.Nashville’s turning point? Or the first domino in a 2026 landslide?The margin is wild and the left is already in full meltdown mode 👀💥
Republicans held firm on their control of Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District in a nationally watched special election on December 2, 2025, as Trump-backed Matt Van Epps defeated Democrat Aftyn Behn, filling the vacancy left by former Rep. Mark Green’s resignation. With 95% votes tallied, Van Epps led by low double digits in the deep-red district Trump won by 22 points in 2024, maintaining GOP dominance despite Behn’s push in Democratic Davidson County (Nashville). Van Epps, a military veteran, Tennessee National Guard colonel, and ex-state general services commissioner under Gov. Bill Lee, celebrated: “Politicians distancing from President Trump do so at their peril—this is his party.”
The victory, projected by AP and Decision Desk HQ, came after Van Epps’ October primary rout over 10 rivals, boosted by Trump’s late endorsement alongside Green, Lee, and Rep. Jim Jordan. Behn, a state rep targeting under-45 voters, critiqued Trump’s tariffs/budgets but faltered outside Nashville, underscoring the district’s Republican stronghold (last Dem: 1983).
Election Breakdown and Key Factors
Van Epps surged on Election Day turnout, overcoming Behn’s early voting edge—GOP get-out-the-vote efforts paid off in rural counties spanning Williamson, Montgomery, and more. Spending topped millions; Kid Rock urged support via video. Van Epps vowed focus: economy, healthcare costs, veteran care, nuclear reactors, broadband. Trump Truth Social: “BIG WIN… Left threw everything.”
Primary chaos: 11 GOP contenders; Van Epps’ Trump nod, Green’s backing clinched. Behn’s Instagram youth appeal narrowed but didn’t flip.
Van Epps’ Platform and Trump Alignment
Combat pilot Van Epps pledges border security (backing Noem/Green), Memphis Guard deployments. “Security, opportunity, prosperity,” he said—staying in Guard if elected. Victory speech: “To non-supporters, I support you—with honesty.” Aligns Trump’s agenda: “Running with Trump wins.”
District mix: wealthy suburbs, poor areas, Army base—Van Epps bridges.
National Implications for Midterms
GOP maintains House edge (pre-vacancy R+20); Dems eyed flip amid cash flood. Van Epps joins freshman class, bolstering Trump loyalists. Behn competitive in R+22 turf signals energy, but turnout sealed it. Midterms: GOP morale boost post-shutdown fights.
Fans: “Trump magic!” Critics: “Red wall holds.” Van Epps sworn soon, priorities set.
