TN-7 Special Election
Special Election Shows Shifting Landscape for Working Tennesseans
Tennessee's special election in Congressional District 7 delivered results that are drawing statewide and national attention. Although Republican Matt Van Epps ultimately won the seat, the race was far more competitive than expected in a district historically considered safely conservative.
Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn (our endorsed candidate) closed a 22-point gap to just 9 points, marking a 13-point shift in a single cycle. Turnout reached near-midterm levels despite the election being held the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. This is an unusually high engagement level for a special election. Notably, every county in the district moved toward the Democratic candidate, signaling a broader shift in voter concerns and priorities.
Why This Matters for Working People
This election underscored something labor leaders and working families already know: Tennesseans are looking for real solutions to the challenges they face every day. Voters responded strongly to messages centered on feeding kinds, improving infrastructure, keeping rural hospitals open, and addressing the rising cost of living.
These issues aren't partisan, they're practical. They affect workers on the job, at home, and in their communities.
While Matt Van Epps will now complete the remainder of former Congressman Mark Green's term, the narrow margin makes clear that working people across the district are demanding more from their elected leaders. There is growing frustration with policies that prioritize political agendas over issues like wages, public services, school funding, and access to healthcare.
The results also demonstrate that when candidates focus on workplace issues, rural investment, and core needs of working families, Tennesseans take notice. Many voters who have traditionally sat our special elections turned out this time. That is an indication that economic concerns and kitchen-table issues are becoming central motivators at the ballot box.
What's Next
The seat will be on the ballot again in the 2026 midterms, giving working people another opportunity to evaluate how their representative supports, or fails to support, policies that improve jobs, strengthen unions, protect public services, and invest in local communities.
For labor, the takeaway is clear:
When candidates speak directly to the needs of working Tennesseans, voters respond. Even in district long considered unreachable.
As we look ahead to 2026, the Tennessee labor movement will continue to fight for candidates and policies that prioritize:
- Good jobs and fair wages
- Strong public schools
- Safer roads and infrastructure investment
- Accessible & affordable healthcare
- Protections for workers' rights and the freedom to organize
The special election may not have changed the occupant of the seat, but it did show that working people are ready for leaders who put them first.