Nashville, TN – November 5, 2025 – The Tennessee 7th Congressional District special election, scheduled for December 2, 2025, is the last remaining election in the U.S. for the year, following a string of high-profile victories by Democrats in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City. This election has gained national attention after Democrats delivered significant rebukes to President Donald Trump and his party during the November 4 elections.
A Historic Election with National Implications
Democratic victories, including the election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s first democratic socialist mayor, have sparked intense discussions on issues such as cost of living and government dysfunction. Mamdani’s win in New York brought significant turnout, particularly from young voters, as he campaigned on affordable housing, transportation, and other pocketbook issues that resonate with working families.
As Americans express frustration over the ongoing federal government shutdown and Republican leadership, the 7th District race in Tennessee has gained added significance. With Republican incumbent Mark Green stepping down, the district has become a battleground that could signal how the state may lean in future national elections.
Aftyn Behn vs. Matt Van Epps: The Battle for Tennessee’s 7th
In the Tennessee 7th District, Democrat Aftyn Behn is facing off against Republican Matt Van Epps in the upcoming special election. Behn has made a name for herself by focusing on everyday issues like lowering grocery prices, improving Tennessee’s roads, and providing funding to hospitals—issues that she believes will resonate strongly with working families across the district.
Van Epps, the Republican candidate, has been outspoken in his criticism of Behn’s policies, accusing her of aligning with socialist ideologies similar to Mamdani’s. Despite this, Behn has distanced herself from the democratic socialist label, emphasizing her commitment to improving the lives of Tennessee’s working-class residents without implementing radical changes.
In a tweet, Behn responded to the comparisons, stating, “Mamdani’s message is one of helping working families in New York; my message is the same for Tennessee. We need to focus on affordability and ensuring that people aren’t struggling to make ends meet.”
Criticism from Republicans
Republican leaders have criticized Behn’s campaign, with Senator Marsha Blackburn, who is running for Tennessee governor, accusing her of favoring Soviet-era policies. “Aftyn Behn would rather go back to Soviet-era policies than embrace what makes America the greatest nation in the world,” Blackburn tweeted, without offering evidence for the claim.
Despite the pushback, Democrats in Tennessee see the victories across the nation as an indication of what’s to come in the 2026 midterms. State Senator Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville) hailed the results as “a mandate for change” and argued that voters are tired of the Republican agenda that has led to higher costs and economic instability. He wrote on social media, “Turns out Americans voting for change in 2024 really did want lower prices and a stronger economy. They didn’t sign up for a radical overhaul of American government.”
The Road Ahead for Tennessee Democrats
Democratic strategist Katie Parham, who works for the National Democratic Training Committee, pointed to the GOP’s attempts to frame Behn as a radical socialist as a counterproductive strategy. “I don’t know why the GOP thinks it’s smart to compare Aftyn to someone who produced record turnout and excited young people,” she said.
As the December 2 election approaches, both parties are gearing up for a high-stakes contest that could provide key insights into Tennessee’s political future. With Behn energizing her base with a focus on kitchen table issues, and Van Epps attempting to frame her as an out-of-touch socialist, the election will be watched closely across the country.
This story may be updated with more details as the race continues and more developments arise.
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