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◆ Mixed look for TrumpVoting RightsElections / Campaigns

Tennessee special election shows power of partisan gerrymandering as Trump pushes for more

The article connects Trump’s push for mid-decade redistricting to map changes being pursued in several states.

Tennessee special election shows power of partisan gerrymandering as Trump pushes for more
Image · Fox17

SOURCE CHECK

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Host credibilityFox1770/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 12, 2026

Credibility rates Fox17, which republished this story. The other scores rate the article itself.

Republished with credit

Republished from Newschannel9, with credit to the original publisher.

Newschannel971/100 HIGH

16 stories · 69–73 · updated Oct 12, 2026

This is Newschannel9's own score, and this article is credited to Newschannel9. The host score in the Source Check is Fox17's.

Fox17via Newschannel9
Dec 5, 2025
tl;dr

Republican Matt Van Epps won Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District special election by 9 percentage points, in a race the article presents as illustrating how partisan district maps can shape election outcomes. It also describes redistricting efforts in several states, including a proposal that could divide Indianapolis and affect Rep. André Carson’s district.

Community verdict

27 VOTES
How does this story look for
Donald Trump R · President of the United States

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

● OPEN
Votes cast on this page

Votes cast on this page: ▲ 12 · ◆ 5 · ▼ 10

People in this story

SWIPE →
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President whose push for mid-decade redistricting is described as an impetus for map changes

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Aftyn Behn
D · TN

Democratic candidate in the Tennessee 7th District special election

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

Republican winner of the Tennessee 7th District special election

Van Epps's version of this story ↗
André Carson
D · IN-7

Democratic representative whose Indianapolis district could be reshaped under an Indiana proposal

Jim Cooper
Former U.S. Representative (D-TN)

Former Democratic representative whose Nashville district was redrawn

ALSO MENTIONED  Robin Shackleford, Democratic Indiana state representative who criticized proposed congressional maps at a public hearing

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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