Van Epps wins U.S. District 7 race

In a race that was watched nationwide, former Department of General Services Commissioner Matt Van Epps defeated State Rep. Aftyn Behn in the 7th District U.S. Congressional special election on Dec. 2, 2025.

Van Epps, the Republican candidate, earned 96,988 votes to Democrat Behn’s 81,044 votes to take the seat previously held by Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Green, who resigned from the role in June. Four independent candidates also ran, with Jon Thorp earning 932 votes, Teresa “Terri” Christie garnering 610 votes, Bobby Doge 196, and Robert James Sutherby 129. 

Tennessee's special election drew national attention after strong Democratic wins in New Jersey, Virginia, New York, and Georgia in November.  

Cheatham, Decatur, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Montgomery, Perry, Robertson, Wayne as well as portions of Benton, Davidson, and Williamson counties make up the 7th Congressional District in Tennessee.