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● InformationalElections / Campaigns

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

Van Epps is the Republican nominee whose race against Behn is presented as consequential for the House majority.

Mike Johnson, Al Gore stump in high-stakes TN congressional race
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This article1 analysis · Oct 12, 2026

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

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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
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 nominee in the Tennessee 7th District special election

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Aftyn Behn
D · TN

Democratic nominee in the Tennessee 7th District special election

Behn's version of this story ↗
Mike Johnson
R · LA-4

Speaker of the House campaigning for Van Epps

Johnson'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

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