Tennessee Democrats Select Aftyn Behn to Contest Congressional Special Election
In a significant development for Tennessee politics, Democrats have selected Aftyn Behn as their nominee for the upcoming special congressional election in the state’s 7th District. Behn, who brings experience as both a healthcare community organizer and current state representative, emerged victorious from a competitive primary field that included three other state representatives and a consultant. The nomination marks an important step for Tennessee Democrats, though they face challenging odds in a district that has traditionally favored Republicans by substantial margins.
The selection of Behn appears to represent Democrats’ hope for energetic, progressive representation in a conservative stronghold. Notably, the Dickson County Democratic Party has drawn parallels between Behn and progressive icon Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, referring to their nominee as “our very own AOC of TN.” This comparison suggests Democrats may be seeking to inject fresh energy and progressive ideas into the race, even while acknowledging the uphill battle they face in a district that supported former President Trump by approximately 20 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election. The December 2nd general election will determine who fills the seat vacated by Republican Representative Mark Green, who stepped down in June to pursue opportunities in the private sector.
On the Republican side, Matt Van Epp claimed victory in a crowded primary field that featured eleven candidates. Van Epp’s campaign received a significant boost from former President Donald Trump, who endorsed the former commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services just last week. This endorsement represented another test of Trump’s considerable influence within Republican primary contests, particularly in a district where his support carries substantial weight among conservative voters. The endorsement appears to have helped Van Epp navigate a competitive field to secure the nomination, setting up the December showdown with Behn.
The special election in Tennessee’s 7th District carries particular significance given the current composition of the House of Representatives. Republicans currently maintain control with a slim 219-213 majority, with this Tennessee seat representing one of just two current vacancies nationwide. The other vacant seat is in Texas’ 18th Congressional District, following the passing of Democratic Representative Sylvester Turner earlier this year. While the Tennessee district’s strong Republican leanings make it unlikely to shift the balance of power in Congress, both parties recognize the importance of every seat in the closely divided chamber, where even small changes can impact legislative outcomes.
The December contest between Behn and Van Epp will unfold against the backdrop of national political dynamics, with Republicans hoping to maintain their hold on a traditionally conservative district and Democrats seeking to demonstrate competitiveness even in challenging territory. The race may serve as an interesting barometer of political sentiment following the recent presidential election, potentially offering insights into voter enthusiasm and party messaging effectiveness as both parties look toward future electoral contests. While Behn enters the general election as the underdog given the district’s voting history, special elections sometimes produce surprising results when differential turnout and local issues come into play.
As the candidates prepare for the December 2nd election, they will likely focus on distinguishing their visions for representing Tennessee’s 7th District, which spans a diverse geography from the Kentucky border to Alabama. The district encompasses both rural and suburban communities with varied economic circumstances and priorities. Whether Behn can overcome the district’s strong Republican lean remains to be seen, but her selection represents Democrats’ commitment to contesting even challenging districts as they work to build their party’s presence across all parts of Tennessee. Meanwhile, Van Epp will seek to consolidate Republican support and maintain his party’s traditional advantage in this central and western Tennessee district.
