Key Takeaways
- Former Vice President Al Gore will campaign for Democratic State Representative Aftyn Behn in Tennessee’s special election.
- The special election has become unexpectedly competitive, with Republican Matt Van Epps leading Behn 48 percent to 46 percent.
- The outcome of the special election could have key implications for control of the House of Representatives.
- President Donald Trump will hold a rival televised rally for Van Epps on the same day as Gore’s campaign event.
- The special election will be held on December 2, with early voting favoring Behn and Election Day voters leaning toward Van Epps.
Introduction to the Special Election
The special election in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District has become a highly contested and closely watched race. The district, which was carried by President Donald Trump by 22 points in 2024, is now seeing a tight competition between Democratic State Representative Aftyn Behn and Republican Matt Van Epps. According to a recent Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey, Van Epps leads Behn 48 percent to 46 percent, with 5 percent of voters still undecided. The outcome of this special election could have significant implications for control of the House of Representatives, where Republicans currently hold a thin majority.
The Role of Big-Name Surrogates
Both campaigns are relying on big-name surrogates to boost turnout and energize voters. Former Vice President Al Gore will campaign for Behn, marking a return to the domestic political arena for the former vice president. Gore has largely focused on environmental activism in recent years, but his involvement in this special election underscores the importance of the race for Democrats. Additionally, New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will also attend a virtual "get out the vote" event for Behn. On the other hand, President Donald Trump will hold a rival televised rally for Van Epps, featuring other high-profile Republicans such as House Speaker Mike Johnson, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, and Senator Marsha Blackburn.
The Significance of the Special Election
The special election was triggered by the resignation of Republican Representative Mark Green, who left Congress for the private sector earlier this year. The contest between Van Epps and Behn has become a microcosm of ongoing national debates, touching on issues such as the economy, healthcare, and Trump’s approach to leadership. The outcome of this special election could have key implications for control of the House of Representatives, where Republicans currently hold a wafer-thin majority. A party needs 218 seats to control the House, and there are currently three vacancies, with Republican resignations possibly on the horizon.
Reactions from the Campaigns
The campaigns have been actively engaging with voters and responding to the latest developments. Abhi Rahman, Democratic National Committee deputy communications director, stated that the DNC is fully committed to supporting Behn and ensuring that Tennessee families have a fighter who will lower their costs and won’t bend to Washington Republicans. President Donald Trump has also addressed voters, urging them to support Van Epps and stating that he has his complete and total endorsement. A spokesperson for Van Epps’ campaign expressed confidence that momentum has shifted toward the Republican nominee, citing the intense enthusiasm among Democrats in the district but also the growing awareness among Republicans of the stakes of the race.
The Final Stretch
As the special election approaches, both campaigns are intensifying their efforts to mobilize voters. The official event listing for Behn’s "GOTV ZOOM Rally" indicates that the event will start at 7 p.m. CT on December 1, featuring special guests from across Tennessee and beyond. At the same time, Trump is scheduled to headline a rival tele-rally for Van Epps, which will also feature other high-profile Republicans. With early voting favoring Behn and Election Day voters leaning toward Van Epps, turnout may ultimately determine the result of the special election, which will be held on December 2.