Matt Van Epps, the Republican nominee for the 7th Congressional District, votes at Lentz Public Health Center in Nashville on Nov. 12, 2025, accompanied by his wife, Meg Wrather. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

Backing for Republican favorite Matt Van Epps and Democratic nominee Rep. Aftyn Behn is kicking into high gear in the special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District seat as the Cook Political Report sees a shift in the political landscape.

The independent, nonpartisan group moved the district to “lean Republican” from “solid Republican” this week, mainly because of an 75% decrease in GOP turnout. Democrats, in contrast, are motivated to cast ballots in early voting, according to the report.

Van Epps is trying to counter by holding a tele-town hall Thursday

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