U.S. News
Van Epps Triumphs Over Far-Left Challenger in Tennessee
Clear Facts
- Matt Van Epps won the special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District against Democrat Aftyn Behn.
- Van Epps secured 53.9% of the vote, while Behn received 45%.
- This win helps maintain the Republican majority in the House at 219-213.
Matt Van Epps prevailed in a closely watched special election, defeating far-Left Democrat Aftyn Behn in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. With 95% of votes counted, Van Epps held a lead of 53.9% to 45% over Behn.
The election followed former Representative Mark Green’s resignation earlier this year. Green had previously won this solidly conservative district by a comfortable margin.
Democrats invested heavily in Behn’s campaign, hoping to flip a reliably Republican seat. Behn campaigned with prominent liberals, including Al Gore and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and out-raised Van Epps in direct contributions.
Van Epps, however, enjoyed significant backing from Trump and the MAGA Inc PAC, which spent over $1 million to support his campaign. The Republican’s victory ensures Speaker Mike Johnson’s majority in the House remains intact.
Behn is known for her radical positions on law enforcement and support for transgender surgeries on minors. She has stated support for extreme measures, previously sharing, “THESE COLORS DON’T BLEED. Remember, you come for my trans community, I come for you.”
In May 2022, Behn discussed sending abortion pills into Tennessee despite state law.
“We’ll continue to figure out how to get abortion pills to people. So the organizing does not stop just because Roe is overturned,”
she said.
Van Epps emerged as the Republican nominee after a crowded primary and received endorsements from notable conservatives, including President Donald Trump.
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