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● InformationalElections / Campaigns

Republican Matt Van Epps wins closely watched Tennessee House race, AP projects

The AP projected Van Epps would win the Tennessee special election and keep the seat in Republican hands.

Republican Matt Van Epps wins closely watched Tennessee House race, AP projects
Image · CBS News

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Outlet credibilityCBS News83/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 12, 2026
CBS News
Dec 2, 2025
tl;dr

The Associated Press projected Republican Matt Van Epps to defeat Democrat Aftyn Behn in a special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, keeping the seat in Republican hands. The closely watched contest drew national attention amid debate over President Trump’s influence and the parties’ prospects for the midterms.

Community verdict

VOTING CLOSED
How does this story look for
Matt Van Epps R · TN-7
NOT RATEDCLOSED

No good or bad look here

This story reports what happened without casting Van Epps in a good or bad light, so readers don’t rate it and it doesn’t count toward Van Epps’s record.

● INFORMATIONAL

People in this story

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Matt Van Epps
R · TN-7

Republican candidate projected to win the special election

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Aftyn Behn
D · TN

Democratic candidate in the special election

Behn's version of this story ↗
Mark E. Green
Former U.S. Representative (R-TN)

Former representative whose resignation prompted the special election

Mike Johnson
R · LA-4

Speaker of the House who spoke at a campaign phone rally

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who endorsed and campaigned for Van Epps

Kamala Harris
Former U.S. Senator (D-CA)

Former vice president who participated in a canvassing kickoff

Representative who headlined a virtual rally for Behn

ALSO MENTIONED  Al Gore, Former vice president who headlined a virtual rally for Behn; Ken Martin, Democratic National Committee chair who campaigned for Behn

Part of a bigger story

9 OUTLETS
Matt Van Epps Sworn In as U.S. Representative

Outlets agree Matt Van Epps won Tennessee’s 7th District special election and was later sworn in as a U.S. representative. Left-leaning outlets present early results as a possible warning sign for Republicans. Center outlets cover the win and swearing-in, with some stressing Democrats’ improved showing and others the seat’s effect on the House majority. Right-leaning outlets emphasize Van Epps’s Trump backing and the seat’s contribution to the Republican majority.

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