Matt Van Epps Wins Tennessee Special Election Amid Intense Race

UPDATE: Republican Matt Van Epps has been declared the winner in the fiercely contested special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. The race, which has captivated political observers for months, was projected in Van Epps’ favor by Decision Desk around 9:06 p.m. Eastern Time, with Van Epps leading with approximately 53% of the vote and about 65% of districts reporting.

As the night unfolded, major networks like CNN and NBC News confirmed Van Epps’ victory around 9:30 p.m. ET. This election was initially seen as a secure win for Republicans, especially after former President Donald Trump won the district by an impressive 22 points last year. However, the unexpected competitiveness of the race raised alarms among party officials.

In a statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump congratulated Van Epps, stating, “Congratulations to Matt Van Epps on his BIG Congressional WIN in the Great State of Tennessee. The Radical Left Democrats threw everything at him, including Millions of Dollars. Another great night for the Republican Party!!!”

Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn generated significant momentum with a vigorous campaign, polling within single digits of Van Epps, and even nearing a tie at one point. As Election Day approached, Republican leaders rallied behind Van Epps, concerned about a potential upset in light of recent special elections indicating a shift toward Democrats.

In a stark warning, Republican Rep. Tim Burchett expressed urgent concerns on Fox News, saying, “We’ve already got people leaving, talks of others leaving … this is the proverbial canary in the cave! If Matt Van Epps … can’t carry this thing, we’re in trouble. Republicans are asleep at the switch!”

Both parties entered the election night with tension, aware that even if Republicans secured a win, the margins could signal substantial Democratic overperformance—an ominous sign for the GOP as they prepare to defend their majorities in the upcoming midterm elections.

This election is a critical indicator of the political landscape in Tennessee and beyond, highlighting the shifting dynamics that could impact both parties in the future. As results continue to roll in, the implications of this race will be closely analyzed by political analysts and party strategists alike.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.