NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee voters are taking to the polls on Tuesday to select their next representative in the traditionally Republican 7th U.S. House Congressional District. This election comes at a critical time as President Donald Trump and the Republican Party attempt to rebound from electoral losses across the country.
This special election was necessitated by the resignation of Republican Rep. Mark Green last summer, and has witnessed an unexpected increase in campaign spending, with candidates flooding the airwaves and residents' mailboxes with promotional materials.
Republican candidate Matt Van Epps has garnered substantial financial backing, securing over $1 million from MAGA Inc., marking the super PAC's first foray into a campaign since the previous presidential race. High-profile GOP leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republican chair Joe Gruters, have rallied support in Tennessee, while Trump addressed supporters via phone and participated in a virtual rally for Van Epps.
On the opposing side, Democrats recently celebrated significant victories in places like New Jersey and Virginia, and a strong performance in Tennessee could further invigorate the party heading into the midterm elections next November.
The House Majority PAC has invested $1 million to support state Rep. Aftyn Behn, the Democratic nominee, while former Vice President Kamala Harris joined the campaign trail during her book tour. Behn, a self-professed social worker, has been vocal in her critique of Trump's policies, highlighting economic pressures that resonate with voters.
Democratic campaign strategies have focused on addressing local economic issues and making inroads among registered voters. Meanwhile, Republicans are defending their position in a constituency that has been redistricted to diminish Democratic influence, with only 1 in 5 registered voters residing in Nashville.
As election day unfolds, both parties' ground game strategies come under scrutiny, particularly regarding voter turnout, given the proximity of the election to Thanksgiving.
The outcome of this local election could serve as a bellwether for the political climate in the upcoming presidential election cycle, as Democrats seek to assert their relevance even in historically red districts.
