Image Credit: Matt Van Epps for Congress
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
In Tuesday’s heated contest that drew national attention Republican Matt Van Epps won the District 7 Special Election to replace Congressman Mark Green, defeating Democrat Aftyn Behn by approximately 9%.
Results from the Secretary of State recorded 179,899 total votes across the district. Individual candidate numbers are:
Matt Van Epps (R) – 96,988 votes; 53.9%
Aftyn Behn (D) – 81,044 votes; 45%
Jon Thorp (I) – 932 votes; 0.52%
Teresa “Terri” Christie (I) – 610 votes; 0.34%
Bobby Dodge (I) – 196 votes; 0.11%
Robert James Sutherby (I) – 129 votes; 0.07%
The AP called the race for Van Epps at 8:40 p.m., less than two hours after polls closed, and the county breakdowns showed Van Epps winning every county except Davidson, which was expected as Nashville is usually considered a Democrat stronghold.
Montgomery County was the only other area in the district where the race remained relatively tight. The spread between the Republican and Democrat was only around 8% at the end of the night. Behn was initially leading in Montgomery County after early voting, but Election Day turnout boosted Van Epps to the narrow victory.
Heavier than normal turnout was reflected across the district in contrast to early voting numbers which were recorded at 84,356 total votes district wide. Various sources reported long lines in Robertson and Williamson Counties and a strong presence by rural counties.
A Montgomery County poll worker told The Tennessee Conservative that the higher-than-anticipated voter turnout at their precinct was a pleasant surprise considering the day’s unpleasant weather and general lack of voter enthusiasm in off-year special elections.
At the Van Epps campaign’s watch party, Gov. Bill Lee, introduced by TN GOP Scott Golden, offered his congratulations, calling Van Epps a “very fine man”. Numerous other Tennessee elected officials celebrated the Republican win online, expressing their eagerness to add Van Epps to the Congressional ranks.
Congressman Tim Burchett wrote, “A win for the Volunteer State! Common sense prevails. Congratulations to my friend, and newest colleague @MattForTN.”
Senator Marsha Blackburn also hailed the victory, posting, “Tonight, Tennessee rejected Democrats’ radical beliefs and showed the nation why we’re the best state to live, work, and rear a family. I can’t wait to work with Congressman Van Epps to make Tennessee America’s conservative leader!”
President Trump, who endorsed Van Epps just days before the primary election, posted to social media, “Congratulations to Matt Van Epps on his BIG Congressional win in the Great State of Tennessee. The Radical Left Democrats threw everything at him, including Millions of Dollars. Another great night for the Republican Party!!!”
Van Epps praised the President in return during his victory speech saying, “I have your backs, and together we will fight for the people we serve. Tonight, we showed running from Trump is how you lose, running with Trump is how you win. President Trump was all in with us, and it made the difference. In Congress, I’ll be all in with him.”
He concluded, “No matter what the D.C. insiders or media liberals say, this is President Trump’s party. I’m proud to be a part of it and I can’t wait to get to work. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in me. Thank you for believing in this movement and for believing in America. God bless you, God bless Tennessee, and may God bless the United States of America.”
The Congressman-elect also reiterated his intent to focus on cost of living, healthcare and prescription costs, and veteran care once taking office. Once Van Epps is sworn in, the House Republican Caucus will have 220 seats, maintaining their slight majority over the Democrats’ 213.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
5 Responses
This is great news BUT do not worry Aftyn Behn will be back again and this time with even more dark money and a darker plan for a win. Understand Aftyn is part of the group that is bent on turning Tennessee blue. You might ask if she hates Nashville (and more than likely she hates all of TN) why does she stay here??? Why not move to CA or some other blue state where she would have a chance at getting elected. Why? Because her goal and the goal of the people she is affiliated with is to turn red states blue. Do not underestimate this woman or any of those she affiliates herself with. Remember she was the force behind INDIVISBLE TN.
AMEN!!
Thank God enough Republicans voted against the demon possessed lesbian. Sad they didn’t have sense enough to elect Tennessean Jody Barrett in Primary. Major stupid. Likely stupid enough to elect lucifer’s pharma’s Marsha.
This is a politically charged topic, with Blackburn often targeted in Tennessee campaigns. Yea…Senator Blackburn has received financial support from pharma-related PACs, employees, and organizations—totaling over $1 million across her career of 22 years. Pharma’s Influence in Congress is over 90% of senators receive pharma money (avg. $50K–$69K per cycle), so Blackburn isn’t unique, but her totals and opioid role draw outsized criticism. Critics, mostly Democrats and liberal advocacy groups and the pollical uneducated argue this has influenced her policy positions, particularly on opioids and drug pricing, in ways that favor industry interests over public health. Blackburn and her defenders maintain her actions prioritize patient access and innovation, not corporate agendas. But it seems that you have sided with the “Lucifer” opinion you are always demonizing what you deem as the wrong doers. Humans are not perfect so trying to apply your “perfection” to people let alone somebody trying to navigate the world of politics and please so many factions and remain a good Godly person. You have discounted all the “good” Blackburn has done or is doing one aspect. So, you disparage Blackburn for one aspect but no credit for =====>
Secured Key Provisions in FY 2025 NDAA: Advanced Tennessee’s defense capabilities by funding new technology development, cybersecurity enhancements, and military strengthening projects.
Enacted REPORT Act: Requires Big Tech platforms to report child sex trafficking, grooming, and enticement to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, protecting vulnerable kids online.
Led Bipartisan Telehealth Modernization Act: Partnered across the aisle to make telehealth flexibilities permanent, improving access to healthcare, especially in rural areas like Tennessee.
Advanced Women’s Rights and Sports Protections: Co-sponsored the Women’s Bill of Rights to define sex-based terms and safeguard single-sex spaces; championed American Girls in Sports Day resolution.
Bolstered Cybersecurity: Passed the bipartisan Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act to enhance national preparedness against cyber threats.
Supported Music and Creative Industries: Authored the American Music Tourism Act, NO FAKES Act (anti-deepfake protections), and HITS Act to boost Tennessee’s music economy and protect artists.
Promoted Health Care Innovation: Received “Champion of Health Care Innovation” award; led on AI applications for predictive diagnostics and PBM reforms to lower drug costs.
Fought for Veterans and Constituents: Serves on Veterans’ Affairs Committee; delivered 2024 wins for Tennesseans, including job-creating investments like Gap Inc.’s $58M expansion.
Bipartisan Telecom and IP Leader: Founded Congressional Songwriters Caucus; expert on intellectual property, aiding Tennessee’s recording industry.
Trailblazing Public Service: First woman elected to Tennessee State Senate (1998) and U.S. Senate (2018); broke barriers for women in politics while advocating pro-family policies.
Blackburn Co-sponsored a Opioid Enforcement (2016 Bill) the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act, which raised the legal standard for the DEA to freeze suspicious opioid shipments (from “imminent danger” to “substantial likelihood”). It also is aimed to ensure access for chronic pain patients; passed bipartisan. Blackburn later called for revisiting “unintended consequences” and has co-sponsored anti-opioid bills.
Industry lobbying hit $373 million in 2023. Career (2002–2024) ~$1.3 million–$1.5 million 2018 Senate Race ~$200,000 2023–2024 Cycle $316,656
Monty Fritts, not corrupted, for governor.
Yup, she’s done good things, but given all she’s taken from lucifer’s pharma, she’s more obligated to them than us.
Isaiah 3:12
As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.