{"id":2510789,"date":"2025-11-14T20:03:02","date_gmt":"2025-11-15T01:03:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/tennessee-special-election-tests-democrats-off-year-momentum\/"},"modified":"2025-11-14T20:05:01","modified_gmt":"2025-11-15T01:05:01","slug":"tennessee-special-election-tests-democrats-off-year-momentum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/tennessee-special-election-tests-democrats-off-year-momentum\/","title":{"rendered":"Tennessee special election tests Democrats off-year momentum"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">14<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Ftennessee-special-election-tests-democrats-off-year-momentum%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2510789&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The article discusses the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/report-5-ore-counties-vote-on-leaving-state-residents-want-to-detach-from-deep-blue-state-and-join-greater-idaho\/\" title=\"...ort: 5 Ore. counties vote on leaving state, residents want to detach from deep blue state and join Greater Idaho\">upcoming special election<\/a> in Tennessee&#8217;s 7th Congressional District, a traditionally Republican stronghold, which has become more competitive for Democrats. Following recent Democratic wins in the 2025 elections, the party is focusing on this race to fill the seat vacated by former Rep. Mark Green (R-TN). despite President Trump having won the district by a wide margin in 2020, the Cook Political Report recently shifted the race&#8217;s rating from &#8220;solid Republican&#8221; to &#8220;likely Republican,&#8221; citing Democratic nominee Aftyn Behn&#8217;s appeal through her progressive affordability agenda and grassroots campaign.<\/p>\n<p>Behn faces Republican Matt Van Epps, who benefits from Trump&#8217;s endorsement and his military background. However, voter enthusiasm for the GOP is reportedly lukewarm, especially in an off-year election timed right after thanksgiving. Democrats are energized and view this as an prospect to make inroads in the South by focusing on economic and affordability issues rather than divisive cultural topics. Prominent Democrats, including DNC chairman Ken Martin, are actively supporting Behn&#8217;s campaign to boost turnout.<\/p>\n<p>Polling shows van Epps leading by a single-digit margin, but Democrats remain hopeful that voter energy and outreach efforts can make the race competitive. A Democratic win would narrow the Republican majority in the House, potentially complicating legislative efforts for Speaker Mike Johnson. Meanwhile, Republicans are heavily investing financially to support Van Epps and maintain the seat.<\/p>\n<p>this special election is seen as a key test of Democratic momentum in off-year contests, highlighting shifts in voter priorities and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/chris-christie-bashes-trump-in-response-to-his-low-polling\/\" title=\"Chris Christie criticizes Trump over poor poll numbers.\">evolving political landscape<\/a> in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/biden-traveling-to-red-districts-to-shore-up-support-for-harris-and-cement-his-legacy-washington-examiner\/\" title=\"Biden traveling to red ...s to shore up support for Harris and cement his legacy - Washington Examiner\">traditionally red districts<\/a>.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Tennessee special House election tests strength of Democratic off-year momentum<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2402018\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>Fresh off wins in the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/2025-elections\/\">2025 elections<\/a>, Democrats are shifting their sights toward their next target: the special election to fill the seat of former Rep. Mark Green (R-TN), after a <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >recent polling index shows<\/a> the normally solid red district slightly more within reach.<\/p>\n<p>Though President <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/donald-trump\/\">Donald Trump<\/a> won the Tennessee 7th District by 22 percentage points, the nonpartisan<em> Cook Political Report <\/em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cookpolitical.com\/analysis\/house\/tennessee-house\/2026-tennessee-house-analysis-music-city-mayhem\">shifted the race <\/a>from &ldquo;solid Republican&rdquo; to &ldquo;likely Republican.&rdquo; The reasoning centered on Democratic nominee Aftyn Behn&rsquo;s affordability agenda and charisma, <span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">as well as&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/democrats\/\">Democrats<\/a>&rsquo; ability to outperform <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/republicans\/\">Republicans<\/a> in non-presidential cycles<\/span>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/3886340\/johnson-thune-cross-roads-arctic-frost-surprise-shutdown-bill\/\">Johnson and Thune at crossroads over &#8216;Arctic Frost&#8217; surprise in shutdown bill<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/3885063\/shutdown-defeat-could-deepen-democratic-divide-maine-senate-primary\/\">Shutdown defeat could deepen Democratic divides in bitter Maine Senate primary<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/3884437\/maine-democrat-jordan-wood-ends-senate-bid-pursue-house-run\/\">Maine Democrat Jordan Wood ends Senate bid to pursue House run<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>Behn is facing Republican Matt Van Epps in the general election on Dec. 2, a date chosen by Gov. Bill Lee (R-TN) with the hope that it would be overshadowed by the holiday season of Thanksgiving. But a lot is riding on this election: if Republicans can hold on to the seat, it helps boost Speaker Mike Johnson&rsquo;s (R-LA) razor-thin margin.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Van Epps sailed to victory largely thanks to an endorsement from Trump and his capitalization on his nine active duty tours. But the nonpartisan analyst noted that that may not be enough to rally support from the GOP&rsquo;s voting base, which is already lackluster to vote for ballots where Trump&rsquo;s name is not at the top.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Behn, meanwhile, was able to win thanks to a solid grassroots campaign. She ran an unapologetic populist and progressive platform, and her campaign pointed to early voting totals in her victory announcement that showed Republicans at 50.52% and Democrats at 49.28%, &ldquo;underscoring the competitiveness of a race many assumed would be unwinnable for Democrats.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Affordability was the key issue in the 2025 elections. Although the Democratic Gov.-elects, Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger, ran centrist campaigns focused on lowering costs and making their states more affordable, New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani also attracted thousands of voters thanks to his affordability platform.<\/p>\n<p>With Democrats dominating New Jersey, New York, and Virginia, the party further down south is hoping they can make a splash in an otherwise red stronghold by connecting on similar issues.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;You&rsquo;ve got someone in Aftyn Behn who knows &#8213; as a social worker, as a community organizer, as a rep &#8213; someone who understands the struggle of average everyday Tennesseans; people who want hope, people who need a champion,&rdquo; Democratic National Committee chairman Ken Martin told a crowd of canvassers for Behn last week, per the <em>Tennessean<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>To boost turnout, Behn has enlisted the help of prominent Democrats, including Martin and Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX). Martin energized over 80 canvassers last week, saying that &ldquo;anyone who&rsquo;s within 16 points right now is within striking distance.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;And Aftyn is not only within striking distance, she&rsquo;s on the verge of making this happen with all your help,&rdquo; Martin told the canvassers.<\/p>\n<p>The <em>Cook Political Report <\/em>said in its analysis that public polling still shows an edge for Van Epps, with an Oct. 16-19 survey finding the Republican leading Behn by single digits, 52% to 44%.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;We saw what happened last week in America: All across the United States, Democratic energy is up. People are tired of what&rsquo;s going on right now in Washington,&rdquo; Rachel Campbell, chairwoman of the Tennessee Democratic Party, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.notus.org\/2025-election\/tennessee-special-election-aftyn-behn-matt-van-epps\">told<\/a> NOTUS. &ldquo;Aftyn Behn gives us an opportunity to send a fresh face, a fresh voice, and a fighter to Congress, and that&rsquo;s what we&rsquo;re excited about and what we&rsquo;re looking forward to.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Behn told the outlet she thinks her candidacy offers a lead-by-example moment for other House candidates running for traditionally conservative seats.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;If we are able to get close or flip it, I think it is a testament to how the Democratic playbook will be rewritten in the South, which is one of running on affordability issues and not responding to the cultural issues that the right is weaponizing,&rdquo; Behn said.<\/p>\n<p>Republicans currently have a 2-1 record in House special elections this year, gaining two new GOP lawmakers in the House thanks to Reps. Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) and Randy Fine (R-FL) are holding on to red seats. Democrats won the Arizona special election, with Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ) finally being sworn in on Wednesday after a weekslong delay during the government shutdown.<\/p>\n<p>Democrats will <span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">fill the seat left vacant by the late Rep. Sylvester Turner in Texas, with two Democrats advancing to a runoff election that could take place&nbsp;as <\/span><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.houstonpublicmedia.org\/articles\/news\/politics\/elections\/2025\/11\/10\/535675\/runoff-election-for-houstons-18th-congressional-district-january\/\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">l<\/span>ate as January 31<\/a>, according to Houston Public Media.<\/p>\n<p>With a projected Republican win in Tennessee and a projected Democratic win in Texas, the House will return to its 220-215 numbers, meaning Johnson can afford to lose only two votes to still pass legislation along party lines.<\/p>\n<p>However, a Democratic victory in Tennessee would narrow that to a one-seat majority, which would be a significant challenge for the speaker, who already faces a government funding deadline of Jan.31.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/3879555\/mikie-sherrill-win-new-jersey-house-seat-replacement-could-take-a-while\/\">MIKIE SHERRILL WIN KICKS OFF PROCESS TO REPLACE HER IN HOUSE &mdash; HERE&rsquo;S WHY IT COULD TAKE A WHILE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Based on partisanship in the 7th District, it&rsquo;s likely that the race will remain in Republican hands. However, Nashville Democrats are energized after losing their congressional representation due to redistricting in 2022. The timing of the race, coming two days after the Thanksgiving weekend, is also a bonus for Democrats, as many Republican voters may not be aware that the race is even taking place.<\/p>\n<p>Republicans are working hard financially to bolster Van Epps in the race, with the National Republican Congressional Committee spending $164,000 on the airwaves to boost GOP turnout. Separately, Republicans have outspent Democrats on the airwaves, $160,000 to $64,000, in the race.<\/p>\n<p>The <em>Washington Examiner<\/em> reached out to Behn and Van Epps for comment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tennessee special election gauges Democratic momentum gains<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2648,"featured_media":2510790,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25281078745860.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651,538],"tags":[3685,67113,58488,67112,33358],"class_list":["post-2510789","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","category-washington-examiner","tag-democrats","tag-off-year-election","tag-political-momentum","tag-tennessee-special-election","tag-voter-turnout"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25281078745860.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2510789","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2648"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2510789"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2510789\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2510793,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2510789\/revisions\/2510793"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2510790"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2510789"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2510789"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2510789"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}