Blackburn tempers expectations in Tennessee special election
Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee) has expressed cautious optimism about the Republican chances in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District special election, which is unexpectedly competitive despite the district’s strong Republican history. The race is between Republican Matt Van Epps and Democrat Aftyn Behn, with recent polls showing a narrow lead for Van Epps. The election will fill the seat left vacant by former Rep. Mark Green, and voters will cast their ballots soon. Blackburn emphasized that, although she avoided predicting a large victory, she expects Van Epps to win, highlighting the district’s consistent past support for Republicans and Van Epps’ alignment with former President Trump. Trump has actively endorsed Van Epps and urged voters to support him, warning against underestimating the race as Democrats have invested heavily in the contest. Election trackers have recently downgraded the race from “safe Republican” to “lean Republican,” reflecting the surprising closeness of the contest.
Blackburn tempers expectations in Tennessee special election
Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) was hesitant in her prediction of a GOP victory in Tennessee‘s 7th Congressional District special election, as election trackers show a surprisingly close race in a deep-red district between Democrat Aftyn Behn and Republican Matt Van Epps.
The special election will fill the seat previously held by former Rep. Mark Green, who left Congress in July. Voters head to the polls on Tuesday, and Blackburn, who held the 7th District for 16 years, appeared on Fox News’s The Big Weekend Show to give her last-minute thoughts on the race.
Asked by co-host Johnny Joey Jones whether she expects a “large” victory for Epps, Blackburn omitted that word, but nonetheless said he would prevail.
“It is going to be a victory for Matt Van Epps,” she said, despite Democratic groups pouring money into the race. “This is a Republican district, Republicans will show up, they’re going to vote, Matt is going to be there to support President Trump.”
Blackburn’s optimism aligns with recent election history for the 7th District. Her three past congressional elections there saw her secure at least 70% of the vote, while Green netted anywhere from 59% to 69% in his three campaigns.
But election trackers and a recent poll have signaled this will be a closer race than ever before. Inside Elections recently shifted its rating for it from “safe Republican” to “lean Republican,” a change which came in response to an Emerson College Polling and the Hill survey showing 48% of voters support Epps and 46% support Behn.
President Donald Trump’s backing is also seemingly on the ballot, especially after widespread losses for the Republican Party in the 2025 off-year elections.
TENNESSEE’S 7TH DISTRICT SHIFTS FROM ‘SAFE REPUBLICAN’ TO ‘LEAN REPUBLICAN’ IN ELECTION TRACKER
Earlier on Sunday, Trump urged voters to cast their ballots for Epps, who he called “one of the best Candidates we’ve ever had.”
“Do not take this Race for granted. The Radical Left Democrats are spending a fortune to beat one of the best Candidates we’ve ever had, Matt Van Epps! You can win this Election for Matt. GET OUT AND VOTE FOR MATT VAN EPPS, who has my Complete and Total Endorsement — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” he posted on Truth Social.
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