Skip to main content
7 min read
● InformationalElections / Campaigns

Mike Johnson, Al Gore stump in high-stakes TN congressional race

Behn is the Democratic nominee in a special election described as a closely watched test ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Mike Johnson, Al Gore stump in high-stakes TN congressional race
Image · Yahoo News

SOURCE CHECK

TAP FOR WHY
Host credibilityYahoo News74/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 12, 2026

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

Republished with credit

Republished from The Tennessean, with credit to the original publisher.

Not rated.

Yahoo Newsvia The Tennessean
Dec 1, 2025
tl;dr

On the eve of Tennessee’s special 7th District election, Republican nominee Matt Van Epps campaigned with House Speaker Mike Johnson, while former Vice President Al Gore was scheduled to appear at a virtual rally for Democrat Aftyn Behn. The race was described as a potential bellwether for 2026 and a contest that could affect the House majority.

Community verdict

VOTING CLOSED
How does this story look for
Aftyn Behn D · TN
NOT RATEDCLOSED

No good or bad look here

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

● INFORMATIONAL

People in this story

SWIPE →
Aftyn Behn
D · TN

Democratic nominee in the Tennessee 7th District special election

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Mike Johnson
R · LA-4

Speaker of the House campaigning for Van Epps

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

Republican nominee in the Tennessee 7th District special election

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

Former representative whose prior election win is cited as context

Tim Burchett
R · TN-2

Republican representative warning that the House majority was at risk

Representative scheduled to join a virtual rally for Behn

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who endorsed Van Epps and criticized Behn

Andrew Ogles
R · TN-5

Representative mentioned in connection with the home of a pastor who opened the rally

Bill Hagerty
R · TN · SEN

Tennessee senator who campaigned with Van Epps and urged Republicans to turn out

Marsha Blackburn
R · TN · SEN

Tennessee senator who campaigned with Van Epps

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

Former vice president who urged voters to support Behn

Representative scheduled to join a virtual rally for Behn

ALSO MENTIONED  Al Gore, Former vice president scheduled to speak at a virtual rally for Behn; Bill Lee, Tennessee governor who campaigned with Van Epps; Jane Kleeb, Democratic National Committee vice chair who campaigned for Behn and discussed party prospects; Joe Gruters, Republican National Committee chair who visited the district; Ken Martin, Democratic National Committee chair who visited the district and joined a canvass event; Scott Golden, Tennessee Republican Party chair discussing turnout preparations and the race

Part of a bigger story

13 OUTLETS
Aftyn Behn’s Bid for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District

Outlets agree Aftyn Behn and Republican Matt Van Epps competed in the Dec. 2 special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, with Behn as the Democratic candidate. Left-leaning outlets present Behn’s close polling as a possible upset. Center outlets treat the race mainly as a preview, with some presenting it as a test of Democratic momentum before 2026. Right-leaning outlets emphasize Behn’s past remarks, positions, or allies, with some also urging Republican turnout.

Discussion · 0

What's your take?

Loading comments…