All eyes on Tenn. as early voting begins in U.S. House race
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Images: Courtesy of the Van Epps and Behn campaigns
Early voting is underway in the District 7 U.S. House race, which has taken on national political interest as Democrats grapple for control of Congress.
Why it matters: The race pits two ascending politicians against one another: Republican nominee Matt Van Epps, a President Trump-backed war veteran, and Aftyn Behn, a progressive grassroots organizer turned state representative.
The big picture: Democrats have some wind in their sails following impressive election victories earlier this month stretching from Georgia to New York. Republicans hold a modest six-seat advantage in the House.
- Off-cycle elections are often considered wild cards, giving the challenging party a fighting chance to pull off an upset.
- In Tennessee, the upcoming special election is due to Rep. Mark Green surprisingly retiring earlier this year.
The intrigue: Multiple Democratic pollsters have released data showing Behn gaining ground compared to how the District 7 race unfolded last year.
Flashback: Green defeated former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry in 2024 by 21.5 points.
- The recent polls, one an internal poll from the Behn campaign and another from the pro-Democratic political action committee Your Community PAC, showed Van Epps up about nine points.
- The district was designed by state Republican lawmakers during redistricting three years ago to water down mostly Democratic Nashville, while remaining a safe GOP seat. In addition to parts of Nashville, the sprawling district stretching from Kentucky to Alabama includes suburbs like Williamson County and more rural areas.
State of play: Van Epps earned the backing of the Republican political establishment and fought his way to a victory in a competitive primary last month.
- In addition to Trump, Gov. Bill Lee and House Freedom Caucus founder Jim Jordan supported Van Epps.
- Prior to running for the House, Van Epps held several positions in the Lee administration, most recently serving as commissioner of General Services. A West Point graduate, the veteran served as a helicopter pilot for multiple tours in the Middle East.
The other side: Behn cut her teeth as an organizer, working on issues such as health care and gun reform.
- She unseated state Rep. Anthony Davis, who had the backing of establishment Democrats at the time, to win the Nashville state House seat in 2023.
- Behn emerged victorious in a crowded primary of viable candidates last month, cementing herself as not just a political upstart, but a clear leader of progressive politics in Tennessee.
- She made waves earlier this month when she told Axios she is not committed to voting for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries as speaker.
The bottom line: Many are watching to see if Democrats continue their momentum in advance of the all-important midterm election in 2026.
- One reasonable scenario is that Van Epps wins but by a narrowing margin. If that happens, it could be another warning sign for the GOP in 2026, and Behn's star will continue to shine.
Where to vote: The secretary of state has posted early voting locations and hours for the District 7 race.
- Election day is Dec. 2.