Voters in District 7 in Nashville, Tennessee, participated in a special election on 2/12 to choose a replacement for Republican state representative Mark Green, who resigned in July to start a business. This special election featured a close contest between Republican candidate Matt Van Epps and Democratic opponent Aftyn Behn.

According to results from 95% of total votes counted, Epps secured a narrow victory over Behn, with a 9 percentage point margin. Republicans consider this an "escape" for the party in an electoral district traditionally seen as their "home turf."

Matt Van Epps in Franklin, Tennessee on 1/12. Photo: *AP*

District 7 is where President Donald Trump won by a 22 percentage point margin last year. Green also won by more than a 21 percentage point margin here last year.

During the campaign, signs indicated voters were gradually turning away from the Republican candidate and shifting support to the Democratic representative. Had Behn won, the Democratic Party would have narrowed the gap with Republicans in the US House of Representatives.

This is why Republican super political action committees (PACs) poured millions of USD into the campaign in Tennessee to ensure Epps's victory.

Epps, a former army soldier and state official, campaigned on MAGA (Make America Great Again) action programs and pledged to continue the legacy of former representative Green.

Republicans welcomed Epps's victory, with President Trump calling it a major win that brought a "great night" for the party.

However, the mere 9 percentage point margin between Epps and Democratic candidate Behn indicates an improved electoral performance for the Democratic Party compared to 2024.

Democrats view this as a positive sign for the party ahead of the 2026 midterm congressional elections. Their candidates had also previously won local elections in New York, Virginia, and New Jersey.

"What happened in Tennessee tonight clearly shows Democrats are on the offensive and Republicans are in a difficult situation," said Ken Martin, Chair of the Democratic National Committee, calling the Tennessee result an outstanding achievement and a warning signal to Republicans.

Republicans are intensifying efforts to reach voters before next year's midterm election, as Democrats need to gain only three more seats to regain control of the House of Representatives. Meanwhile, Republicans need to maintain their majority in the House to build a strong foundation for supporting President Trump's policies.

Ngoc Anh (Source: *CNBC, CNN, AP*)