NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee special election to replace a Republican congressman who stepped aside this summer has resulted in crowded primaries for both major parties, a new test for one of three districts that GOP lawmakers drew as safely red in 2022 by dividing left-leaning Nashville.
The race to fill the seat vacated by former U.S. Rep. Mark Green could gauge the popularity of President Donald Trump's aggressive second-term agenda, especially with suburban Republican voters.
There had been 11 Republican candidates in the primary Tuesday, including state Reps. Jody Barrett, Gino Bulso and Lee Reeves, and a one-time appointee of Republican Gov. Bill Lee, Matt Van Epps, all of whom have pledged loyalty to Trump and disdain for anything perceived as liberal.
But Van Epps landed