Van Epps and Behn Battle in Tennessee’s 7th District Election Race
The race for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District has intensified as candidates Matt Van Epps and Aftyn Behn gear up for the upcoming special election. The primary took place on October 7, and the general election is set for December 2. This contest presents a significant opportunity for Democrats to increase their representation in a predominantly Republican state.
Key Candidates in the Race
Republican Matt Van Epps and Democrat Aftyn Behn are the main contenders vying for the congressional seat. Despite the competitive atmosphere, neither candidate has engaged in public debates. Instead, they have focused on individual campaign events and social media outreach.
Campaign Issues and Strategies
Both candidates have identified key issues impacting voters in the district. These include:
- Cost of living
- Health insurance expenses
- Immigration policy enforcement
Van Epps has been criticized for avoiding media engagements while concentrating on fundraising activities. Recently, he held a fundraiser with U.S. Representatives Guy Reschenthaler and Tim Burchett in Nashville.
Conversely, Behn has actively worked to mobilize Democratic voters through canvassing and grassroots organizing. Her focused approach aims to reconnect party members and increase local political engagement.
Poll Insights and Voter Motivation
As early voting approaches on November 12, internal polls indicate a challenging landscape for Behn. A recent survey of 400 likely voters revealed:
- Van Epps leads with 52% support
- Behn captures 44%
- 4% of voters remain undecided
This close margin highlights the potential for a competitive race, particularly among motivated voters. Analysts from Impact Research note that Democrats show greater enthusiasm compared to their Republican counterparts, which could influence turnout and outcomes on December 2.
Campaign Dynamics and Attacks
The campaigns have resorted to social media to target each other. Van Epps criticized Behn’s views on immigration enforcement, sharing an image of her expressing support for marginalized communities. Meanwhile, a billboard funded by the Turn Left PAC has emerged, warning voters against Van Epps, focusing on rising health insurance costs associated with his policies.
As the election date approaches, the dynamics of the campaign are likely to evolve. Will Van Epps maintain his lead, or can Behn inspire enough support to flip Tennessee’s 7th District? Only time will reveal the results of this pivotal election.
