Matt Van Epps

Matt Van Epps is a Republican politician who recently won a special election for the US House of Representatives in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District. The election, held on December 2, 2025, was closely watched as an indicator of Republican strength heading into the upcoming midterm elections. Van Epps defeated Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn, securing the seat for the Republicans. However, the margin of victory was narrower than expected, with Van Epps winning by approximately 52% to 46%. This is notable because the district heavily favored Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, with a 22-point margin. The unexpectedly tight race has raised concerns among Republicans about potential weaknesses in their support base. Van Epps' victory, despite the close contest, maintains Republican control of the seat, but the diminished margin signals a possible shift in the political landscape.