Trump Endorses Van Epps in Tennessee Congressional Race Amid Final Push
As Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District special election approaches its December 2 conclusion, former President Donald Trump has made a passionate appeal to voters, urging them to support Republican nominee Matt Van Epps. The endorsement, delivered via Truth Social on Sunday, represents a final push in what has become an increasingly visible race with national implications. Trump characterized Van Epps—a lieutenant colonel in the Tennessee Army National Guard and former Army helicopter pilot—as “one of the best Candidates we’ve ever had” while warning his supporters not to take the race for granted despite the district’s traditionally Republican leanings.
In his endorsement, Trump launched a series of pointed criticisms against Van Epps’ Democratic opponent, state Representative Aftyn Behn, claiming she “hates Christianity, will take away your guns, wants Open Borders, Transgender for everybody, men in women’s sports, and openly disdains Country music.” The former president asserted these claims were documented, stating emphatically, “She said all of these things precisely, and without question — IT’S ON TAPE!” This characterization aligns with broader Republican messaging that has highlighted Behn’s past statements, particularly those related to law enforcement, Nashville culture, and social issues that might prove controversial in the conservative-leaning district.
Behn has indeed drawn national attention for past comments, including statements critical of police during the social justice movements of 2020 and remarks expressing dislike for aspects of Nashville’s country music and drinking culture. When recently questioned about her previous statements regarding police funding during an interview on MS NOW’s “The Weekend,” Behn appeared to sidestep direct engagement with her past positions, instead pivoting to broader themes of local governance. “I’m not going to engage in cable news talking points,” she responded, before emphasizing her belief that “communities need solutions” and “local people deciding, solving local problems with local solutions” without government overreach.
The special election has taken on heightened significance as it follows the resignation of Republican Representative Mark Green, further narrowing the already slim GOP majority in the House of Representatives. This context explains Trump’s urgency in mobilizing voters, as he claimed “Radical Left Democrats are spending a fortune” to win the seat. For his part, Van Epps has embraced Trump’s support, previously describing the former president’s endorsement as “an incredible honor.” The race represents another test of Trump’s influence in down-ballot contests as he prepares to return to the White House in January.
Beyond the immediate electoral implications, this contest highlights the increasingly nationalized nature of local congressional races. What might once have been a relatively low-profile special election has transformed into another battleground for competing national visions, with Trump’s direct involvement elevating the race’s profile. The former president’s characterization of Behn relies heavily on culture war touchpoints—from religious freedom and gun rights to transgender issues and border security—that have become standard in Republican messaging across the country, regardless of local district dynamics.
As voters head to the polls, the outcome will provide insights into several key political questions: the enduring strength of Trump’s endorsement power, the effectiveness of nationalized messaging in local races, and whether Democrats can make unexpected inroads in traditionally Republican districts. While Tennessee’s 7th District has historically favored Republicans, special elections sometimes produce surprising results due to variations in turnout patterns. Whatever the outcome, this race demonstrates how even congressional contests in seemingly safe districts now operate within the broader national political narrative, with figures like Trump playing an outsized role in framing the stakes for voters on both sides.
