Republican Matt Van Epps has won the special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, defeating Democrat Afton Bain. The Associated Press declared Van Epps the winner, capping a closely watched race.
Van Epps celebrated his victory in North Nashville, thanking supporters for their efforts. He recognized everyone involved, from President Trump to volunteers who helped throughout his campaign. In his speech, Van Epps also highlighted his service to the country and pledged to serve the district with honesty and integrity.
“To everyone who supported our campaign through your time, your prayers, your generosity, your votes, I am truly grateful. To those who didn’t support us, I still work for you. I will work hard every day to serve you,” Van Epps said. He also confirmed that he spoke to Bain after his victory, emphasizing a respectful tone following the election.
The race was competitive, with Van Epps leading throughout, though many supporters said they were confident in his win despite its closeness. The special election drew attention as it tested party strength in a traditionally Republican district.
Meanwhile, Afton Bain addressed her supporters at Marathon Music Works in Nashville. While disappointed by the outcome, Bain expressed optimism about the future and praised the effort of her campaign team.
“This fight is far from over,” Bain said. “Flipping a deep red district was always an uphill battle. But getting this close sends a message. Nobody in Washington believed we could even compete, but we showed we can.”
Bain vowed that Democrats will continue to focus on issues affecting working families, including affordability and cost reductions. She also confirmed she called Van Epps to encourage him to keep priorities like the Affordable Care Act in mind for the district.
Supporters remained energized despite the loss, continuing to gather and discuss future political strategies. Bain emphasized that the close race demonstrated potential for change in the South and encouraged Democrats to keep showing up in future elections.
The Tennessee 7th District special election results underscore the ongoing political competition in areas traditionally dominated by one party. Both campaigns highlighted the importance of community engagement and the role of local voters in shaping the outcome.
As Van Epps prepares to assume office, Bain and her team are already looking ahead, focusing on continued advocacy and outreach to ensure Democratic priorities remain part of the conversation. Local observers noted that while the race ended in a Republican win, the narrow margin signals that future contests could be highly competitive.
This election marks a critical moment for Tennessee politics, showing that even in long-held strongholds, voter engagement and campaigning efforts can make a significant impact. Both candidates pledged to remain committed to their districts, promising constituents attention and service in the months ahead.
