Axios Nashville

November 13, 2025
Happy Thursday to all.
- Today's weather: Patchy fog in the morning, then sunny with a high of 67.
This newsletter is 990 words — a 3.5-minute read.
1 big thing: All eyes on TN as early voting begins in District 7 race
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.
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 cofounder 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.
What we're watching: 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.
2. State Rep. Caleb Hemmer explains not running for reelection
State Rep. Caleb Hemmer made the surprising announcement earlier this week that he won't seek reelection next year.
Why it matters: Hemmer is just 45 years old, an age when politicians don't typically walk away from elected office.
What he's saying: The Democrat tells Axios that a year ago at this time, he envisioned himself running for governor in 2026.
- Instead, he says he wants to spend more time with his family and focus on his day job as a health care executive.
- "People view this as a lifetime job, and I just never viewed it that way," Hemmer says. "I viewed it as a tour of duty and my way to give back."
State of play: Hemmer will serve out his term, including representing the district covering parts of western and southern Davidson County during the upcoming session.
- The district's electoral makeup favors Democrats, but Republicans figure to push hard for the open seat.
3. The Setlist: Nashville SC won't re-sign Walker Zimmerman in free agency
⚽️ Nashville SC defender and team captain Walker Zimmerman will leave the franchise in free agency, general manager Mike Jacobs said yesterday. (Tennessean)
🏟 Construction of the new Nissan Stadium hit a milestone with the recent completion of its roof ring beam. (Nashville Business Journal, subscription)
A gap in Tennessee's probation system leaves domestic violence victims susceptible to danger, according to a joint investigation by WPLN and ProPublica.
4. East Nashville staple Margot Cafe & Bar to close in June, 2026
Margot Café & Bar, which played a starring role in East Nashville's culinary and creativity renaissance, will close next summer.
Why it matters: Margot set up shop at a time when unique, high-minded independent restaurants were rare in Nashville. The Five Points neighborhood hadn't yet achieved its status as a cultural mecca of bars, music venues and creatives.
- The final service will be on June 5, 2026, which is the 25th anniversary of the restaurant's opening.
Zoom out: Margot went on to win accolades, including from the James Beard Foundation, while remaining a beloved neighborhood staple.
What she's saying: Chef and owner Margot McCormack explained the difficult decision to cease operations in a note on social media.
- "We have survived 9/11, the recession of 2008, a flood, the influx of so many new restaurants, a tornado, COVID, and so much more," McCormack said. "The last five years have been harder than the first 20 put together."
- "I am that much older and wiser and don't have much more fight in me," McCormack added. "I am ready for a new chapter. I'm not sure what that means just yet but it begins with dinner at home."
- The handsome brick building will be listed for sale, the "Nashville Scene" reports.
What's next: Margot doesn't plan to just fizzle out. "I hope to see as many of you as often as possible right up until the end. We are going out with a bang with many celebrations yet to come," McCormack said.
Our picks:
❤️ Nate's song of the day is "One Love" by Bruce Springsteen.
🍁 Adam is basking in the foliage of the Great Smoky Mountains.
This newsletter was edited by Jen Burkett.
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