A special election in Tennessee's Seventh District is the last major political test this year. Republican Matt Van Epps and Democrat Aftyn Behn are competing for Mark Green's old seat. National groups poured money into it, with Trump's super PAC spending heavily despite the district's usual red tilt.
Democrats have overperformed in other 2025 special elections. A close result here, even a loss, could spook Republicans ahead of 2026. Turnout in the Nashville portion is key, but bad weather might suppress votes. Behn's progressive record on guns and trans rights is a GOP attack line.
The final margin matters for momentum. A narrow Republican win would still signal a shifting environment. This race forces Democrats to compete in hostile territory, challenging the GOP's Southern dominance.
Democrats have overperformed in other 2025 special elections. A close result here, even a loss, could spook Republicans ahead of 2026. Turnout in the Nashville portion is key, but bad weather might suppress votes. Behn's progressive record on guns and trans rights is a GOP attack line.
The final margin matters for momentum. A narrow Republican win would still signal a shifting environment. This race forces Democrats to compete in hostile territory, challenging the GOP's Southern dominance.
