A late surge of political activity unfolded in Tennessee as former President Trump issued a direct appeal to voters in the 7th Congressional District. With the special election just days away, Trump urged supporters to turn out for Republican nominee Matt Van Epps, framing the contest as a crucial battle for the direction of the state and the nation.
The former president’s message didn’t shy away from stark accusations against Van Epps’ Democratic opponent, state Representative Aftyn Behn. Trump alleged Behn held positions fundamentally opposed to core conservative values, painting a picture of a candidate at odds with Tennessee’s cultural identity and traditions.
Specifically, Trump claimed Behn expressed views he characterized as hostile to Christianity, supportive of gun control, and advocating for open borders. He further asserted she championed policies regarding transgender rights and women’s sports that would be deeply unpopular with many voters in the district.
Trump insisted these weren’t misinterpretations, but rather statements “on tape,” emphasizing the urgency of the situation. He warned against complacency, stating the race should not be taken for granted despite Van Epps’ strengths as a candidate.
The former president highlighted what he described as a significant financial investment by Democrats to defeat Van Epps, portraying the race as a David-versus-Goliath struggle. He reaffirmed his “Complete and Total Endorsement” of Van Epps, promising voters he would be a steadfast representative.
Van Epps, a decorated military veteran with a background as a Tennessee Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and helicopter pilot, had previously received Trump’s endorsement earlier in the year. He described the support as a profound honor, signaling alignment with the former president’s political agenda.
The focus on Behn’s past statements intensified in the final stretch of the campaign. National attention was drawn to comments she made regarding law enforcement, Nashville’s cultural scene, and her previous advocacy for reallocating police funding.
During a recent interview, Behn was pressed to address past criticisms of the police, particularly tweets from 2020. She responded by emphasizing the need for “local solutions” to community problems, avoiding direct affirmation or denial of her earlier statements.
Behn’s response further fueled the debate surrounding her record, as opponents seized on her reluctance to fully clarify her past positions. The election ultimately became a referendum on these contrasting visions for the future of Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District.
