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Republican Triumphs in Tennessee Special House Election

Trump urged voters to support Van Epps and attacked Behn during the campaign.

Republican Triumphs in Tennessee Special House Election
Image · The Daily Signal

SOURCE CHECK

TAP FOR WHY
Outlet credibilityThe Daily Signal59/100 MEDIUM
This article1 analysis · Oct 12, 2026
tl;dr

Matt Van Epps won Tennessee’s special House election, defeating Democrat Aftyn Behn by about nine percentage points with 95% of the vote counted. The race drew national attention as Republicans sought to hold a district President Donald Trump had won by 22 points in 2024.

Community verdict

27 VOTES
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Donald Trump R · President of the United States

Counts every outlet’s report of this story. See all 11

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People in this story

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Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who campaigned for Van Epps and criticized Behn

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Aftyn Behn
D · TN

Democratic candidate who lost the special House election

Behn's version of this story ↗
Matt Van Epps
R · TN-7

Republican candidate who won the special House election

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

Former representative whose resignation left the seat vacant

Tim Burchett
R · TN-2

Tennessee representative who rallied for Van Epps

Mike Johnson
R · LA-4

House Speaker who campaigned with Van Epps

Andrew Ogles
R · TN-5

Tennessee representative who rallied for Van Epps

Bill Hagerty
R · TN · SEN

Tennessee senator who rallied for Van Epps

Marsha Blackburn
R · TN · SEN

Tennessee senator who rallied for Van Epps

House Minority Leader who commented on the race’s implications for Republicans

Part of a bigger story

11 OUTLETS
Matt Van Epps Defeats Aftyn Behn in Tennessee Special Election

Matt Van Epps defeated Aftyn Behn in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District special election, and Donald Trump campaigned for Van Epps. Left-leaning outlets frame the close contest as a test of Republican strength and Trump’s influence. Center outlets report the win and Trump’s support, with several also stressing the closer-than-expected margin and its possible implications for Republicans. Right-leaning outlets emphasize Van Epps’s victory and Trump’s role in rallying Republicans, with one celebrating the result.

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