A dramatic political battle is unfolding in Tennessee, where Democrats are mounting their most serious challenge in a generation to flip a congressional seat that has been a Republican stronghold for over four decades.
The special election for Tennessee's seventh congressional district, scheduled for 2 December, pits progressive state representative Aftyn Behn against Republican Matt Van Epps, an army veteran backed by former President Donald Trump.
The Coalition of the Disenchanted
Representative Behn is running a campaign explicitly targeting voter dissatisfaction, aiming to assemble what she calls a "coalition of the pissed off." Her platform focuses squarely on the affordability crisis gripping many Tennessee residents.
"If you are dissatisfied, if you are not OK with what's going on, then I'm your candidate," Behn stated. "If you think things are fine, I am not your candidate. If you are upset with the cost and chaos, I am your candidate."
The Democratic strategy appears to be gaining traction. Where Republicans finished approximately 21 points ahead of Democrats when the seat was last contested alongside Trump's November victory, recent polls show Van Epps leading by just eight points.
A District at the Epicentre of the Affordability Crisis
Behn argues that Tennessee finds itself at the heart of the nation's cost-of-living challenges. "We have some of the most expensive housing and rent," she said. "It is one of the worst places for workers in the country."
Data supports these concerns. Tennessee ranks tenth in the United States for grocery cost burden, measuring the share of income consumers spend on groceries. The non-partisan Sycamore Institute attributes rising housing costs to population growth, the COVID-19 pandemic, and insufficient home construction.
Healthcare represents another critical issue. Analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that Medicaid cuts under Trump and the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies could increase Tennessee's uninsured population by 210,000 people by 2034.
Meanwhile, Trump's tariffs are hitting the state particularly hard. A Pew Research report found Tennessee among the states most vulnerable to tariffs, with global products contributing 21.9% of its gross domestic product in 2024.
Contrasting Campaign Strategies
The two candidates are employing markedly different approaches. Behn emphasises accessibility, noting she has organised more town halls than any of her legislative colleagues. Her campaign has knocked on doors throughout the district, prioritising voter contact in a state with consistently low turnout.
"We're running one of the most competitive races the state has ever seen," Behn claimed.
In contrast, Van Epps has refused to participate in a debate with Behn ahead of the election. He did not respond to multiple requests for comment about the race.
The campaign has attracted significant national attention. Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance at a Behn event, her first as a campaign surrogate since leaving office. Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin has campaigned with Behn, with the DNC providing volunteers and phone bank support.
Republicans have responded in kind. Trump hosted a tele-rally with Van Epps last week, and the Republican National Committee has devoted similar resources and funding to his campaign.
Early voting has already begun, setting the stage for a closely watched December election that could signal shifting political tides in this traditionally red district.
