Van Epps wins District 7 seat by narrow margin, sworn in ahead of 2026 re-election cycle
Republican Matt Van Epps won Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District special election by a narrow margin on Dec. 2 and has been sworn in to serve the remainder of the term through 2026, when he will be required to run again in the regular election cycle.
Van Epps’ victory follows a competitive general election and an even more crowded primary, where he rose quickly after securing the endorsement of President Donald Trump. Democrat Aftyn Behn, who emerged from a close four-way primary, challenged Van Epps in the special general election.
The day before the election, Van Epps made a campaign stop in Cheatham County alongside U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, rallying supporters and emphasizing his policy priorities.
“Our focus and agenda is going to drive down cost of living — it’s going to be great for our families, our farmers, for military and veterans across the district,” Van Epps told the Gazette during his visit. “We’re going to focus on housing, healthcare and energy, which will be really great to reduce costs.”
Van Epps now represents all of Cheatham County and 13 additional counties in the sprawling 7th District. He will serve the remainder of former Congressman Mark Green’s term and enter office as one of the first newly elected members of the 2026 House class.
