Social media reactions reveal why both parties celebrated after GOP candidate won special election
In a closely watched special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, Republican candidate Matt Van Epps emerged victorious over Democrat Aftyn Behn, winning by a nine-point margin. This election was significant as it followed the retirement of GOP Congressman Mark Green, and both parties celebrated the outcome for different reasons. Republicans viewed Van Epps’ win as a rejection of what they termed “far-left radical policies,” especially in a district that President Donald Trump had carried by over 20 points in the previous election cycles. In contrast, Democrats highlighted the narrowness of the victory, which they interpreted as a sign of shifting sentiments in a traditionally conservative area. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer pointed out that the election results indicated a growing dissatisfaction among voters with Republican policies, particularly regarding economic issues.
Despite her loss, Behn’s campaign received praise from progressive strategists who lauded her efforts as “well run” and inspiring for Democrats across the South. However, her candidacy was marred by controversies surrounding her past activism, which included calls to “dissolve” the Nashville police department and her involvement in protests during the Black Lives Matter movement. Critics within the GOP, including CNN commentator Scott Jennings, characterized Behn as emblematic of extreme progressive views that may alienate mainstream voters. The election results prompted mixed reactions within the Republican Party, with some acknowledging the unexpected closeness of the race as a potential warning sign for future elections. Van Epps, buoyed by Trump’s endorsement, expressed confidence that his victory reflects a broader commitment to conservative values and a rejection of socialism.
As the political landscape shifts, the implications of this election extend beyond Tennessee. Republican leaders, including RNC Co-Chair KC Crosbie, are optimistic about their chances in upcoming midterms, emphasizing that Behn’s performance was indicative of a disconnect between Democratic messaging and voter priorities. Meanwhile, Van Epps’ victory is seen as a potential harbinger for the GOP’s strategy heading into the 2026 House elections, with the party aiming to capitalize on the momentum generated by this win. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has indicated plans to expedite Van Epps’ swearing-in, signaling the importance of this seat in maintaining Republican control in Congress.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOR7hDEzH3s
After Republican candidate Matt Van Epps defeated Democrat candidate Aftyn Behn in Tuesday’s special election race for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, both parties cheered the results.
Republicans touted a rejection of far-left radical policies and their ability to retain the GOP-held seat vacated by retired GOP Congressman
Mark Green
. Democrats, on the other hand, cheered the slim nature of Van Epps’ victory in a district President Donald Trump won by more than 20 points last year, as Green did in his last two elections.Â
Van Epps won Tuesday night by a nine-point margin. Â
DEMOCRATS’ SURGE IN TENNESSEE THROWS NEW UNCERTAINTY ONTO GOP’S 2026 HOUSE MAP
“Last night was the latest flashing red light, indicating that Americans are fed up with Republican policies, particularly how much they have to pay for the things they really need,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said after the race was called.Â
“A deep red Tennessee district that Trump won by 22 points, swung by double digits in Democrats’ direction.” Â
Progressive strategists and organizations described Behn’s campaign, despite her loss, as “amazing,” “well run” and “great,” noting she “gave Democrats in the South and across the country a reason to believe.”Â
After the results were called, President Trump touted Van Epps as a “fantastic” addition to Tennessee’s congressional delegation and called the win “BIG” for the GOP. The president pointed out that “Radical Left Democrats threw everything at him, including Millions of Dollars,” but Van Epps was still able to pull out a victory.Â
“Millions of dollars of dark money wasted,” longtime attorney and legal commentator Mark Pulliam noted. “Aftyn Behn discovered that Middle Tennessee will not elect lunatic leftists to Congress.”
Behn’s campaign was riddled with criticism about her
history of radical activism,
such as pushing to “dissolve” the Nashville police department and defending rioters and looters who took to the streets during the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020.
“I’m currently involved in a transformative justice seminar, and so it’s how to imagine a world without police and what that looks like and what community mechanisms look like,”
Behn said during an interview
with a local activist group prior to entering elected office.Â
A video of Behn being
dragged out
of Tennessee Republican Gov. Bill Lee’s office by police during an attempted sit-in and comments about how she “hate[s]” the city she hoped to represent in D.C., citing her distaste for Nashville’s country music scene and other elements that make Nashville a popular city, also haunted Behn during her run.
DEMOCRATIC STRATEGIST SAYS TENNESSEE NOMINEE WAS ‘FRINGE OF A FRINGE,’ DOMED PARTY’S CHANCES
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CNN’s Manu Raju noted in an interview ahead of Tuesday’s election how, during her campaign, Behn was dubbed the “AOC of Tennessee.”
“Aftyn Behn (D) lost tonight’s special election in TN, but make no mistake: She’s the median Democrat, a lunatic radical progressive,” CNN conservative political commentator Scott Jennings said of Tuesday night’s election results. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Dems continue to run the most Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs candidates they can find.”
Former Congressman David McIntosh, the co-founder of the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy and a member of FedSoc’s Board of Directors, said Jennings “nails it” in his post-election analysis.
“It wasn’t exactly a nail-biter, but 9 points is not a landslide,” The Daily Wire’s Matt Walsh pointed out. “It should have gone Republican by like 40 points yesterday. Looking at it objectively, that’s what should have happened when you consider who [Behn] is.”
However, despite the reservations permeating throughout the GOP following Tuesday’s election, Trump and other
Republican leaders
praised the victory.
Republican National Committee Co-Chair KC Crosbie, said Behn “way underperformed” Tuesday and said she is hopeful heading into the midterms.
“I’ve seen a lot of the spin that the Democrats have been trying to put on it today, but if you look at the 2025 special elections, I mean Democrats in 2025 overperformed by 18 points. [Behn] way underperformed last night, and it’s because their message is so far off,” Crosbie said.Â
“They are just bowing to the far-left, woke side of their party and people just aren’t buying into their message. … So, we feel really good going into the midterms.”   Â
“Tennesseans voted in this resounding win to reject socialism, to reject the
far-left radical ideology
and to support common-sense conservatism,” Van Epps told Fox News following his election victory Tuesday. “We are so happy with our margin of victory, and I think it’s setting the tone for 2026. And we are going to win decisively there and hold the House.”Â
“Common sense prevails,” Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., added. “We had a great candidate in Matt Van Epps, and you can’t deny the Donald Trump effect.”
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has indicated he hopes to swear in Van Epps as soon as this week after his special election win.
