Republican Prevails 53.9% to 45% As Voters Signal Clear Rebuff Of Far-Left Policies And Controversial Statements From Democratic Challenger

Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 7:00 A.M. ET. 5 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor: Englebrook Independent News,

NASHVILLE, TN.- Republicans scored a decisive victory Tuesday night in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, where GOP nominee Matt Van Epps defeated Democratic activist Aftyn Behn by a margin of 53.9 percent to 45 percent in a closely watched special election. The outcome not only secures the seat for Republicans but also serves as a pointed rejection by Tennessee voters of Behn’s progressive agenda and her history of controversial public statements.

     The race, called less than an hour after polls closed, drew national attention because Democrats had hoped that Behn, armed with extensive backing from progressive political groups and support from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and former Vice President Kamala Harris, could mount a competitive challenge in the traditionally conservative district. But Tennesseeans, particularly in suburban and rural counties, turned out in strong numbers to block what many viewed as an unacceptable attempt to push far-left policies in a district that consistently favors limited government and traditional values.

A Race Defined By Contrasts;

     From the moment the special election began, the differences between the candidates could not have been more pronounced. Van Epps, an Army veteran and community advocate, ran a disciplined campaign centered on economic stability, public safety, and preserving Tennessee’s conservative values. His messaging focused on combating inflation, supporting law enforcement, and restoring what he called “the dignity and accountability of public service.”

     Behn, by contrast, entered the race already known statewide and nationally for her activism and outspoken progressive positions. A former candidate for the state legislature, she embraced policies including Medicare for All, expansive environmental regulations, taxpayer-funded social programs, and sweeping federal intervention in state-level matters, stances that placed her far outside the political mainstream of the district.

     Voters interviewed across the region repeatedly cited concerns about Behn’s ideological alignment with national progressive groups. “We’re not California. We’re not New York. This is Tennessee,” said one voter in Maury County. “The kind of agenda she’s pushing doesn’t fit our communities, our economy, or our values.”

Controversial Statements Reemerge In Final Stretch;

     Behn’s campaign also struggled to distance itself from past remarks that resurfaced during the race, statements that many Tennesseeans viewed as dismissive of law enforcement, hostile toward traditional family values, and divisive along political and cultural lines.

    Opponents highlighted her prior social-media posts criticizing police departments as “systems of oppression,” comments directed at conservatives as “barriers to progress,” and earlier appearances at protests in which she used inflammatory language against state officials. While Behn attempted to frame these statements as “passionate advocacy,” the damage appeared significant, especially among moderate and independent voters.

     Van Epps capitalized on the moment, arguing that Behn’s own words demonstrated that she was “too extreme, too hostile, and too out-of-touch to represent hardworking families of Tennessee.” 

Tennessee’s Verdict: A Firm Rejection;

     By the final tally, Van Epps carried nearly every county in the district, often by wide margins outside Nashville’s more liberal pockets. Turnout was higher than expected for a special election, clearly favoring Van Epps, driven by concerns over Behn’s policies and her perceived alignment with national progressive figures who have struggled in red-state environments.

     Political observers say the race highlights a broader trend: even amid shifting national electoral dynamics, Tennessee’s electorate remains deeply wary of candidates who push aggressive ideological agendas. With this election, the district signaled that it is unwilling to reward divisive rhetoric or policy proposals that many see as harmful to economic stability and public safety.

     Van Epps, in his victory speech, emphasized unity and a return to pragmatic governance. “Tonight, Tennessee sent a clear message,” he said. “We believe in responsibility, in security, in freedom, and in leaders who listen to the people, not to political movements based in Washington or New York.”

A Blow To Progressive Ambitions In Tennessee;

     Behn’s loss represents another setback for progressive activists attempting to gain a foothold in Republican-held Southern districts. Her campaign had hoped to replicate the enthusiasm she brought to Democratic grassroots organizing, but Tuesday’s results suggest that Tennessee’s voters remain skeptical of candidates who prioritize ideology over local priorities.

     Political strategists on both sides note that despite significant financial backing and national attention, Behn failed to meaningfully expand her coalition from her previous runs for office. Her message resonated among a dedicated but limited base of urban progressives, insufficient to win a district that stretches deep into conservative territory.

Looking Ahead;

     Van Epps will be sworn in later this month and is expected to align closely with House Republican leadership on federal spending, border security, veterans’ issues, and agricultural policy, core priorities for Tennessee’s 7th District. His victory shores up the GOP’s position in the House and provides Republicans with momentum heading into the 2026 midterms.

     Behn, meanwhile, offered a brief concession late Tuesday, thanking supporters but vowing to “continue the fight for progressive change.” Whether Tennessee voters are interested in such a message in future elections remains uncertain, but the result of this special election offers a clear signal: Tennesseeans want representatives who reflect their values, not candidates attempting to import coastal progressive politics into the heart of the South.

Editor’s Note;

This article is based on election results released by the Tennessee Secretary of State’s Office, public campaign statements, candidate social-media archives, and reporting from Englebrook Independent News’ Political Desk. All information has been independently verified for accuracy prior to publication.