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Ballotpedia Elections Coverage 2026 Congressional Elections 2026 U.S. Senate Elections 2026 U.S. House Elections

Aftyn Behn (D),Matt Van Epps (R), and four independent candidates are running in the special election forTennessee's 7th Congressional District on December 2, 2025. The special election will fill the vacancy created when the former incumbent, Rep.Mark Green (R), resigned on July 20, 2025.^[1]

TheTennessee Lookout's Sam Stockard wrote, "The special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District seat is shaping up as a classic conservative-liberal battle that pits urban versus rural voters in a heavily red region."^[2] According toThe Tennessean's Austin Hornbostel and Vivian Jones, "Tennessee’s 7th District has been represented by Republicans since 1983. But new district boundaries drawn by the Republican-controlled state legislature in 2021 moved the district into northern Nashville and added a significant Democrat population. Since redistricting, Republicans have not won more than 60% of the vote."^[3]

Behn represents the51st District in theTennessee House of Representatives. She was elected in a 2023special election and re-elected in2024. Behn earned her bachelor's degree in psychology and her master's degree in social work from the University of Texas at Austin. She worked as a social worker and community organizer.^[4]

Behn's campaign website said, "She’s now running for Congress after the so-called 'Big, Beautiful Bill' passed — a giveaway to the wealthy that codified the largest transfer of wealth from working people to the rich in American history."^[5] Behn is running on her record as an activist and state representative.^[6] In a campaign ad, Behn says, "As a state representative in Tennessee, I fought to eliminate Tennessee's grocery tax. In Congress, I will fight to make sure your rural hospitals and nursing homes stay open, and I will make sure that no one loses their healthcare because they can't afford it."^[7]

Van Epps was a Tennessee Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and a special operations helicopter pilot. He served as commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services and as deputy chief operating officer in the governor's office.^[8] He earned his bachelor's degree in political science and mechanical engineering from West Point and his master's degree in public administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.^[9]

Van Epps' campaign website said he would bring "conservative leadership grounded in service, experience, and unwavering commitment to Tennessee values and President Trump's America First agenda."^[10]PresidentDonald Trump (R) endorsed Van Epps days before the primary election.^[11] Van Epps said, "Together, we will bring down the cost of living, keep our families and communities safe, lower the cost of prescription drugs and healthcare, deport criminal illegals, and get our veterans the care and support they've earned."^[12]

IndependentsTeresa Christie,Bobby Dodge,Robert James Sutherby, andJonathan Thorp are also running.

Heading into the election, Republicans have a 219-213 majority in theU.S. House with three vacancies. This will be the sixth special congressional election in 2025, after two April elections inFlorida's1st District and6th District, two September elections inVirginia's11th District andArizona's7th District, and a November election inTexas'18th District.

As of November 26, 2025, ninespecial elections have been called for the119th Congress. From the113th Congress to the118th Congress, 80 special elections were held. For more data on historical congressional special elections,click here.

This page focuses on Tennessee's 7th Congressional District special election. For more in-depth information on the district's special primaries, see the following pages:

• Tennessee's 7th Congressional District special election, 2025 (October 7 Democratic primary)
• Tennessee's 7th Congressional District special election, 2025 (October 7 Republican primary)

Candidates and election results

General election

Special general election for U.S. House Tennessee District 7

The following candidates are running in the special general election for U.S. House Tennessee District 7 on December 2, 2025.

		Candidate
		Aftyn Behn (D)
		Matt Van Epps (R)
		Teresa Christie (Independent)
	Submit photo	Bobby Dodge (Independent)
		Robert James Sutherby (Independent)
		Jonathan Thorp (Independent)

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	There are noincumbents in this race.
= candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Steven Hooper (Independent)
• Scerick Richard Longcope (Independent)
• David Richard Holbert (Independent)
• Caleb Stack (Independent)

Democratic primary election

Special Democratic primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 7

Aftyn Behn defeatedDarden Copeland,Bo Mitchell, andVincent Dixie in the special Democratic primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 7 on October 7, 2025.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Aftyn Behn	27.9	8,648
		Darden Copeland	24.9	7,716
		Bo Mitchell	24.2	7,492
		Vincent Dixie	23.1	7,146

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	There were noincumbents in this race. Source	Total votes: 31,002
= candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data?Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Joy Davis (D)

Republican primary election

Special Republican primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 7

The following candidates ran in the special Republican primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 7 on October 7, 2025.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Matt Van Epps	51.6	19,001
		Jody Barrett	25.3	9,335
		Gino Bulso	10.9	4,004
		Lee Reeves	5.2	1,929
		Mason Foley	2.8	1,022
		Stewart Parks	1.6	595
		Jason Knight	1.0	381
		Stuart Cooper (Unofficially withdrew)	0.6	239
		Tres Wittum	0.4	133
		Joe Leurs	0.3	122
		Adolph Agbéko Dagan	0.3	93

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	There were noincumbents in this race. Source	Total votes: 36,854
= candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data?Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Robert James Sutherby (R)
• Brandon Ogles (R)
• Eddie Lee Murphy (R)
• John Wilt (R)
• John Wesley Smith IV (R)
• Michael Vogel (R)
• Noah Cline (R)
• Robby Moore (R)

Voting information

See also:Voting in Tennessee

Candidate comparison

Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, clickhere.

Aftyn Behn

Party:Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: 

• Tennessee House of Representatives (assumed office 2023)

Biography:  Behn earned her bachelor's degree in psychology and her master's degree in social work from the University of Texas at Austin. She worked as a social worker and organizer, including as the campaign director for Rural Organizing.

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Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages,click here.

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Behn said, "I don't think it's about left vs right. Now, it's about top vs bottom." She added, "If you think things are going well, I am not your candidate. If you are upset with the cost of living and the chaos of our federal and state government, then I am your candidate, and I will go to Washington to fix it."

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Behn toldWZTV Nashvillethat the most important issue to her was "Making living affordable again" and that "For my generation and Tennesseans, and especially those living in the 7th congressional district, life is simply unaffordable."

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Behn described herself as "a candidate who will leverage the congressional seat to out-organize our unhinged federal delegation and work with our state and local allies to redefine Tennessee politics."

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Show sources

Sources:News Channel 5, "'If you think things are going well, I’m not your candidate:’ Aftyn Behn to Tenn. special election voters," October 24, 2025;WZTV Nashville, "Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn and GOP candidate Matt Van Epps lay out visions for Tenn.," October 8, 2025;The Behn Factor, "Why We Need to Send an Organizer to Congress," August 7, 2025; Nashville Banner, "Afytn Behn," July 20, 2024

Matt Van Epps

Party:Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Biography:  Van Epps graduated from West Point and served 10 years active duty in the Army. He later served as deputy chief operating officer in the Tennessee governor's office then as commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services.

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Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages,click here.

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Van Epps' campaign website highlighted his military experience and support for President Trump, saying, "Matt Van Epps is a West Point graduate and combat veteran ready to support President Trump's MAGA agenda in Washington." 

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Van Epps called himself "a staunch supporter and defender of our Second Amendment rights," and his campaign website said, "In Congress, he will fight to ensure law-abiding Americans never lose their right to defend themselves, their families, and their communities."

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Van Epps' campaign website said, "In Congress, Matt will be a relentless voice for veterans. He will work with President Trump to reform the VA, eliminate red tape, and make sure every veteran has access to the healthcare, benefits, and support they've earned."

---

Show sources

Sources:Matt Van Epps 2025 campaign website, "Home," accessed October 30, 2025;YouTube, "Minute Matt 8 - 2nd Amendment," October 1, 2025;Matt Van Epps 2025 campaign website, "Issues," accessed October 30, 2025; Matt Van Epps 2025 campaign website, "Matt Van Epps," accessed October 30, 2025

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Robert James Sutherby (Independent)

Anti War, if the war does not help the United States, then we need to stay out of them. The only war I see we should have is about the deficit. Over a trillion dollars in interest each year. The shutdown is showing us firsthand of what is essential and non-essential. We must pare down things and get the debt handled. The DOGE group made many cuts and both parties should be embarrassed by the pork that was found. I notice no one claimed that DOGE lied about the many absolutely ridiculous expenditures. We need to be strategic from information currently known it would appear intercepting boats before they get to the United States makes good sense. Yes, this in unconventional but has doing nothing been working? NO!

AI this topic needs to be reigned in. The impact is going to be way beyond what pundits think. The effects are going to displace many workers and in this vein we need to lower the amount of immigration folks coming in. There is going to be many layoffs coming and to help the Americans already here we need to prepare for that, by not continuing the nearly one million a year immigrants each year. The times have changed and as a congressman we need those that are looking ahead on the horizon and discerning what is coming with these changes. We need action not reaction.

Economy, we need to not keep looking back on trends and impacts of the past when there are so many new technologies coming out that our economy will not be traditional in any sense in the near future. It is clear that democrats (not all) but the move of the left of the party is clearly towards communism. Some would say socialism. Shortly you will see what that looks like in New York City with Mayor Zohran Mandami. This is not the path that Americans as a collective want to see.

Jonathan Thorp (Independent)

Putting People Over Politics

Washington is broken because politicians serve parties and special interests before the people they represent. I’m running to change that. I’ll be an independent voice who answers to Tennesseans, not party bosses. My guiding principle is simple: do what’s right, not what’s politically convenient.

Restoring Fiscal SanityRunaway spending and reckless policies are driving up the cost of everything from groceries to gas. Families shouldn’t pay the price for Washington’s dysfunction. I’ll fight to rein in spending, cut red tape, and make it easier for businesses and workers to thrive in Tennessee.

A Lifetime of Service, Not Politics

I’ve spent my entire career in the service of others: defending freedom as a combat pilot, protecting communities with law enforcement, and saving lives as an air ambulance pilot. I know what it means to show up when it matters most. I’m stepping forward now to serve Tennesseans in Congress with that same commitment.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Robert James Sutherby (Independent)

Helping the Oppressed

Jonathan Thorp (Independent)

I’m passionate about restoring fiscal responsibility, expanding healthcare competition, ensuring affordable housing, and creating good jobs in Tennessee. I believe fiscal discipline is the foundation of a thriving economy; that families shouldn’t pay hidden prices through inflation or red tape. I support freeing up healthcare through transparency and choice so people can get care when they need it, without being tied to a job or confusing pricing. Housing should be within reach for hardworking Tennesseans, not priced out by misaligned policies. And jobs aren’t just paychecks, they’re the promise of true opportunity and community rootedness. I’ve seen how these policies affect lives—both flying rescue missions and serving rural families.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Robert James Sutherby (Independent)

Jesus, Jesus the calling of a Christian that is born again in the Spirit. According to the Holy Bible in John 14v6 I am the way the truth and the life no one comes to the Father but by me. If our country could become a Christian nation we would really have something. But instead Gods holy seed of the Bible is seldom followed and even less appreciated for what it is. A love letter that He wrote so that all could be saved. We now in the spirit of anti christ have now courted all kinds of religions this is not the answer. Jesus is the answer. Jesus is "the Christ'. People continue to disavow scripture many do not even believe in the miracle of His virgin birth. Everyone wants to be right and love to add or subtract from scripture, it's now about us, it's about what HE DID FOR US. The bible makes clear in Genesis 2v7 we were born a living soul, that has a body not a body that has a soul. The soul will live forever in one of two place heaven or hell, there is no purgatory in the bible, there is no joseph smith references or Ellen g white references or any other man-made nonsense. Jesus said for us to Love the Lord with ALL of our heart, mind, soul and strength. Not just one hour on Sunday or Saturday. Jesus paid a price no one could pay on their own, and through His shed blood there is remission of sins, not doing a bunch of good but dying into His death like discussed in Romans 6. The signs of His return are so obvious, yet we tend to focus on everything but the Lord. We totally miss the concept that no one is truly good. Look at the story of Noah. But if our position is "in Christ" and we have repented and been born again and believe and have faith totally in the Lord that we will see our family of believers in heaven. That is why Jesus said who is my brother or mother? and said you are as followers of me that love me and keep my commandments. This campaign is a total success if just one person comes 2 faith

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Robert James Sutherby (Independent)

To simply represent the people that elected you. That means doing their bidding, what they want to see done on their behalf, whether it gets passed or not to show that you are representing them to the best of your ability

Jonathan Thorp (Independent)

The most important trait for any elected official is honesty. Not the political version, where words are tested against polls, but the kind of honesty where you say what you mean and stand by it even when it costs you. That kind of honesty is rare in Washington, but without it there’s no foundation for trust.

Integrity matters just as much. In the Army and later in the air ambulance world, I learned that integrity means doing the right thing when no one is watching. For a representative, that means remembering whose money is being spent. Tax dollars are not government’s money; they’re the people’s money. I believe an elected official should treat every dollar as if it were coming from their own pocket, because in a very real sense, it is.

But principles don’t stop with honesty and stewardship. Humility is just as vital. Public office is not about building a career, it’s about service. It’s about understanding that the authority you hold was lent to you by the people, and it can be taken back at any time. An elected official should resist the arrogance of power and stay grounded in the lives of the people they represent.

Finally, courage is essential. Doing the right thing for all constituents—today and in the future—often means standing apart from party pressure, lobbyists, and even colleagues. Courage is what separates someone who talks about change from someone willing to make it.

These principles—honesty, integrity, humility, and courage—are not lofty ideals. They are practical necessities if we want to restore faith in government and hand down a country worthy of our children.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Robert James Sutherby (Independent)

To be accessible and to follow the wishes and help the people in the district get the resources or contacts they need to deal with the matters that are affecting them.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Robert James Sutherby (Independent)

That I love Jesus, that my action in thought and more importantly in deed, James 1v22 tells us to be a doer of the word. This is one reason I am so encourage by Turning Point Faith that people after Charlie Kirk was martyred are answering a call they cannot explain. Charlie left a great one I only got to have a single one on one with Charlie in Nashville at TP Faith, he was anointed by the Lord. I have no illusions of grandeur as the Lord came as a servant to all. He helped everyone. Currently I am blessed to be mentoring a young man each day after school, prayer, bible, school, chess. This is putting one's treasure in heaven. It's not a financial transaction. many are looking to check the boxes of what they think versus what the Bible says. This is where man continually finds himself wanting the ways of the world as the legacy. Jesus said in Matt 16v26 what good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet lose their soul? or what can ANYONE give in exchange for their soul? Yet people continue to focus on a self-legacy, continue to be covetous, continue to have various forms of idolatry. Yet at the same time demand to be in heaven or worse feel they deserve to be. The reality we all deserve HELL but by the grace and mercy of Jesus there is a way. But this path is not based on the productions of church across America, it's not who has the best music production, it's not who has the best coffee it really comes down to what the Bible says about salvation and that one MUST be born again on the Spirit, if a person does not think that to be the case they are lost according to the Bible. It's time for people to put more time into the Bible if they do not understand it please pray James 1v5-6 these verses did an incredible job for me as the Lord answered my prayer for wisdom. But if you cannot believe and pray in faith it says you won't have a breakthrough. Understand the Christian life is not one of ease.

Jonathan Thorp (Independent)

I don’t want my legacy to be about holding office. I want it to be about service, just as it’s always been. When I flew helicopters in the Army, the measure of success wasn’t medals or rank. It was whether the people I served alongside made it home. As an air ambulance pilot, success is even simpler: getting a patient to care in time. That’s the standard I’ve lived by: real lives, real people, real results.

If I’m fortunate enough to serve in Congress, I want my legacy to reflect the same principle: that I showed up when it mattered. That I put people first, even when it meant standing apart from the status quo. That I fought to restore fiscal sanity so our children wouldn’t inherit a weaker nation weighed down by debt. That I worked to rebuild trust in a government too many Americans have given up on.

On a personal level, I want my boys to look back and know their dad didn’t just talk about problems, he stepped forward to try to fix them. I want them to see that integrity and honesty matter more than popularity, and that public service means sacrifice, not self-promotion.

Ultimately, the legacy I hope to leave is simple: that I lived up to the values I was raised with—integrity, humility, and service—and that I used whatever time I had to leave my community and my country stronger than I found it.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Robert James Sutherby (Independent)

The first president I knew that had a brain. One that could understand the people and one that even had a better understand of government. November 4th, 1980. I would have been 14 years old.

Jonathan Thorp (Independent)

I was obsessed with space when I was very young. While I was thankfully spared watching it happen live, I remember the teachers at my school reacting to the news of the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion. I wasn't quite six years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Robert James Sutherby (Independent)

Newspaper boy for Jackson Citizen Patriot only 3 years. I started at age 11 got an exemption to start before 12. Was nearly 2 miles to my first stop from where we lived. Danny Zautner a classmate of mine had the route I live on and that gem was kept away from me. Danny was the first person to pass away from our class with a rare cancer, I still think of him from time to time.

Jonathan Thorp (Independent)

My first W2 job was bussing tables and washing dishes at a local Mexican restaurant when I was 13 or 14. I think I stayed there a little over a year.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Robert James Sutherby (Independent)

The Holy Bible this is a book of instruction, wisdom and guidance for anyone. Its Gods Holy word that is the seed for our human hearts. Its sharper than any 2-edged sword. This is God's love letter to us. How we can spend so little time preparing for eternity each week makes me weep.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Robert James Sutherby (Independent)

The Easter Bunny so I could warn the kids what Easter means to followers of Jesus, it's not bunnies and eggs. But the crucifixion of Jesus and how He paid the price at calvary

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Robert James Sutherby (Independent)

HAS been was an alcoholic, was a compulsive gambler, was a person who had sex prior to marriage. Jesus delivered me and made me a new creature that still has a long ways to go but that already is a long ways ago now.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Robert James Sutherby (Independent)

Its a melting pot of people and places that should work for the people. They need to introduce a bill that during a shutdown congress folks also don't get paid.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Robert James Sutherby (Independent)

Not really, you could have served as any position for some local unit of government and sadly government people take a government mindset and sometimes miss what the people want or need. How has experience worked out getting to 38 or ever how many trillion in debt. I would suggest that experience didn't help yet we have congress people in service for eons.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Robert James Sutherby (Independent)

AI and the battle for the soul of the country.

Jonathan Thorp (Independent)

The greatest challenge we face is fiscal insanity. Washington spends far more than it has, pushes the bill to our children, and pretends there will never be consequences. But there are always consequences. We see them every day in the rising cost of groceries, housing, gas, and healthcare. Inflation isn’t an accident, it’s the direct result of reckless spending and debt.

Our debt is more than a number on a spreadsheet. It’s a national security risk, because a nation buried in debt cannot act freely. It’s an economic time bomb, because interest payments alone are consuming more of the federal budget than defense or healthcare. And it’s a moral failing, because it means we are living at our children’s expense.

The next decade will test whether we have the courage to confront this reality. Do we have leaders willing to say “no” to endless borrowing? Are we willing to make government live within its means, just as families and businesses must do? If not, we risk not only our economy, but the very promise of upward mobility that defines America.

Addressing this challenge is not about left versus right. It’s about sustainability and stewardship. It’s about remembering that government does not create wealth, it only spends what others have created. And if it spends too much, it destroys the foundation of prosperity for everyone.

The greatest challenge of the next decade is also our greatest opportunity: to reset our course, restore fiscal responsibility, and build a nation strong enough to stand free for generations to come.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Robert James Sutherby (Independent)

Yes, but a max time in congress needs to be attached. To much structuring and angling for higher seats

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Robert James Sutherby (Independent)

YES PLEASE, this would help with all the money it takes to run as well as lobby. Their needs to be more commitment to not take Pac money in the local offices.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Robert James Sutherby (Independent)

Jesus

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Robert James Sutherby (Independent)

My own, and it's sad. Lying Law enforcement to the point judge told the prosecutor "You have a perjury problem" yet with all the aggravated perjury was their action taken on behalf of the victim? to date none that I am aware of. Even reading about the fake DUI stops is also another you have to be kidding. In my case it was life in prison. This kind of thing needs to stop, along with any other fake stops.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Robert James Sutherby (Independent)

Depends on the policy

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

Robert James Sutherby (Independent)

NONE, not interested in raising revenue!

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

Robert James Sutherby (Independent)

Wisely

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Robert James Sutherby (Independent)

I see there is a limit of 750 characters and would not want to alienate anyone.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

Robert James Sutherby (Independent)

Yes many most from Christians that have spoken their faith and following of Jesus.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Robert James Sutherby (Independent)

Getting on the ballot

What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?

Robert James Sutherby (Independent)

NONE that train is already running and out of the station. Let's get the government debt fixed before trying to legislate something that few in congress would fully understand.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?

Robert James Sutherby (Independent)

Go back to the concept of Election Day. I remember as a day one Trump guy, getting spit at, cursed at, and even death threats one even made a government-controlled website. What kind of thing is this. It's sad as Pastor and telling the congregation that Joe Biden would win in 2020 prior to the election and listed many of the reasons why. How disgusting! I would simplify it back to paper ballots. Credibility whether warranted or not the machines did not help in this matter. When I served on the recount committee when Jill Stein asks for one on Donald Trump it was all hand counted. Machines are all able to be made fallible so why use them? The idea there is a fight to not have ID to vote is more nonsense.

You can ask candidates in this race to fill out the survey by clicking their names below:

• Matt Van Epps

Campaign advertisements

This section includes a selection of up to three campaign advertisements per candidate released in this race, as well as links to candidates' YouTube, Vimeo, and/or Facebook video pages. If you are aware of other links that should be included, pleaseemail us.

Aftyn Behn

View more ads here:

• YouTube
• Facebook

Matt Van Epps

View more ads here:

• YouTube
• Facebook

Election competitiveness

Polls

See also:Ballotpedia's approach to covering polls

We provide results for polls that are included in polling aggregation fromRealClearPolitics, when available. We will regularly check for polling aggregation for this race and add polls here once available. To notify us of polls available for this race, pleaseemail us.

Endorsements

See also:Ballotpedia: Our approach to covering endorsements

Click the links below to see official endorsement lists published on candidate campaign websites for any candidates that make that information available. If you are aware of a website that should be included, pleaseemail us.

• Matt Van Epps

Election spending

Campaign finance

Satellite spending

See also:Satellite spending

Satellite spending describes political spending not controlled by candidates or their campaigns; that is, any political expenditures made by groups or individuals that are not directly affiliated with a candidate. This includes spending by political party committees,super PACs, trade associations, and501(c)(4)nonprofit groups.^[13][14][15]

If available, this section includes links to online resources tracking satellite spending in this election. To notify us of a resource to add,email us.

District analysis

Click the tabs below to view information about voter composition, past elections, and demographics in both the district and the state.

• District map - A map of the district in place for the election.
• Competitiveness - Information about the competitiveness of 2024 U.S. House elections in the state.
• Presidential elections - Information about presidential elections in the district and the state.
• State party control - The partisan makeup of the state's congressional delegation and state government.

• District map
• Competitiveness
• Presidential elections
• State party control

Below was the map in use at the time of the election. Click the map below to enlarge it.

See also:Primary election competitiveness in state and federal government, 2024

This section contains data on U.S. House primary election competitiveness in Tennessee.

Tennessee U.S. House competitiveness, 2014-2024
Office	Districts/ offices	Seats	Open seats	Candidates	Possible primaries	Contested Democratic primaries	Contested Republican primaries	% of contested primaries	Incumbents in contested primaries	% of incumbents in contested primaries
2024	9	9	0	31	18	4	2	33.3%	3	33.3%
2022	9	9	1	36	18	4	4	44.4%	3	37.5%
2020	9	9	2	45	18	6	2	44.4%	3	42.9%
2018	9	9	2	49	18	6	7	72.2%	5	71.4%
2016	9	9	2	48	18	4	6	55.6%	5	71.4%
2014	9	9	0	39	18	3	8	61.1%	8	88.9%

Post-filing deadline analysis

The following analysis covers all U.S. House districts up for election in Tennessee in 2024. Information below was calculated on May 2, 2024, and may differ from information shown in the table above due to candidate replacements and withdrawals after that time.

Thirty-one candidates ran for Tennessee’s nine U.S. House districts, including 19 Democrats and 12 Republicans. That’s 3.4 candidates per district, less than in the previous three election cycles. There were 4.0 candidates per district in 2022, 5.0 candidates per district in 2020, and 5.4 in 2018.

The number of candidates who ran for the U.S. House in Tennessee in 2024 is also lower than any other year this decade.

No seats were open in 2024, meaning all incumbents ran for re-election. The last time all incumbents ran for re-election in Tennessee was in 2014.

Six candidates—five Democrats and one Republican—ran for the8th Congressional District, the most candidates who ran for a seat in Tennessee in 2024.

Six primaries—four Democratic and two Republican—were contested in 2024, the fewest this decade. There were eight contested primaries in 2022, eight in 2020, 13 in 2018, 10 in 2016, and 11 in 2014.

Three incumbents—one Democrat and two Republicans—were in contested primaries in 2024. That’s the same as the previous two election cycles.

Candidates filed to run in the Republican and Democratic primaries in all eight districts, meaning no seats were guaranteed to either party.

Partisan Voter Index

See also:The Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index

Heading into the 2024 elections, based on results from the 2020 and 2016 presidential elections, theCook Partisan Voter Index for this district was R+10. This meant that in those two presidential elections, this district's results were 10 percentage points more Republican than the national average. This made Tennessee's 7th the 144th most Republican district nationally.^[16]

2020 presidential election results

The table below shows what the vote in the 2020 presidential election would have been in this district. The presidential election data was compiled byDaily Kos.

2020 presidential results in Tennessee's 7th based on 2024 district lines
Joe Biden	Donald Trump
41.3%	56.4%

Inside Elections Baselines

See also:Inside Elections

Inside Elections' Baseline is a figure that analyzes all federal and statewide election results from the district over the past four election cycles. The results are combined in an index estimating the strength of a typical Democratic or Republican candidate in the congressional district.^[17] The table below displays the Baseline data for this district.

Inside Elections Baseline for 2024
Democratic Baseline	Republican Baseline	Difference
39.4	57.6	R+18.2

Presidential voting history

See also:Presidential election in Tennessee, 2020

Tennessee presidential election results (1900-2020)

• 15Democratic wins
• 16Republican wins

Year	1900	1904	1908	1912	1916	1920	1924	1928	1932	1936	1940	1944	1948	1952	1956	1960	1964	1968	1972	1976	1980	1984	1988	1992	1996	2000	2004	2008	2012	2016	2020
Winning Party	D	D	D	D	D	R	D	R	D	D	D	D	D	R	R	R	D	R	R	D	R	R	R	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	R

See also:Party control of Tennessee state government

Congressional delegation

The table below displays the partisan composition of Tennessee's congressional delegation as of May 2024.

Congressional Partisan Breakdown from Tennessee
Party	U.S. Senate	U.S. House	Total
Democratic	0	1	1
Republican	2	7	9
Independent	0	0	0
Vacancies	0	1	1
Total	2	9	11

State executive

The table below displays the officeholders in Tennessee's top three state executive offices as of May 2024.

State executive officials in Tennessee, May 2024
Office	Officeholder
Governor	Bill Lee
Secretary of State	Tre Hargett
Attorney General	Jonathan Skrmetti

State legislature

Tennessee State Senate

Party		As of February 2024
	Democratic Party	6
	Republican Party	27
	Other	0
	Vacancies	0
Total		33

Tennessee House of Representatives

Party		As of February 2024
	Democratic Party	24
	Republican Party	75
	Independent	0
	Other	0
	Vacancies	0
Total		99

Trifecta control

The table below shows the state's trifecta status from 1992 until the 2024 election.

Tennessee Party Control: 1992-2024
Five years of Democratic trifectas  •  Fourteen years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year	92	93	94	95	96	97	98	99	00	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24
Governor	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R
Senate	D	D	D	D	R	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	R	R	S	S	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R
House	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R

Election context

Ballot access requirements

The table below details filing requirements for U.S. House candidates in the 2025 special election. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in Tennessee, clickhere.

District history

2024

See also: Tennessee's 7th Congressional District election, 2024

Tennessee's 7th Congressional District election, 2024 (August 1 Republican primary)

Tennessee's 7th Congressional District election, 2024 (August 1 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Tennessee District 7

IncumbentMark Green defeatedMegan Barry andShaun Greene in the general election for U.S. House Tennessee District 7 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mark Green (R)	59.5	191,992
		Megan Barry (D)	38.0	122,764
	Submit photo	Shaun Greene (Independent)	2.4	7,900

---

	Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 322,656
= candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 7

Megan Barry advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 7 on August 1, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Megan Barry	100.0	22,512

---

	There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 22,512
= candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data?Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 7

IncumbentMark Green advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 7 on August 1, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mark Green	100.0	31,871

---

	Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 31,871
= candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Caleb Stack (R)
• Stan Marlar (R)
• Brandon Ogles (R)

2022

See also:Tennessee's 7th Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House Tennessee District 7

IncumbentMark Green defeatedOdessa Kelly andSteven Hooper in the general election for U.S. House Tennessee District 7 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mark Green (R)	60.0	108,421
		Odessa Kelly (D)	38.1	68,973
	Submit photo	Steven Hooper (Independent)	1.9	3,428

---

	Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 180,822
= candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data?Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 7

Odessa Kelly advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 7 on August 4, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Odessa Kelly	100.0	24,854

---

	There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 24,854
= candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data?Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 7

IncumbentMark Green advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 7 on August 4, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mark Green	100.0	48,968

---

	Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 48,968
= candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data?Contact our sales team.

2020

See also:Tennessee's 7th Congressional District election, 2020

General election

General election for U.S. House Tennessee District 7

IncumbentMark Green defeatedKiran Sreepada,Ronald Brown, andScott Vieira in the general election for U.S. House Tennessee District 7 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mark Green (R)	69.9	245,188
		Kiran Sreepada (D)	27.3	95,839
		Ronald Brown (Independent)	2.2	7,603
		Scott Vieira (Independent)	0.6	2,005

---

	Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 350,635
= candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Benjamin Estes (Reform Party)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 7

Kiran Sreepada advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 7 on August 6, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kiran Sreepada	100.0	23,390

---

	There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 23,390
= candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data?Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 7

IncumbentMark Green advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 7 on August 6, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mark Green	100.0	73,540

---

	Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 73,540
= candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data?Contact our sales team.

2018

See also:Tennessee's 7th Congressional District election, 2018

General election

General election for U.S. House Tennessee District 7

Mark Green defeatedJustin Kanew,Lenny Ladner, andBrent Legendre in the general election for U.S. House Tennessee District 7 on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mark Green (R)	66.9	170,071
		Justin Kanew (D)	32.1	81,661
	Submit photo	Lenny Ladner (Independent)	0.6	1,582
		Brent Legendre (Independent)	0.4	1,070

---

	There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 254,384
= candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 7

Justin Kanew defeatedMatt Reel in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 7 on August 2, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Justin Kanew	62.1	21,315
	Submit photo	Matt Reel	37.9	13,006

---

	There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 34,321
= candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data?Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 7

Mark Green advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 7 on August 2, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mark Green	100.0	83,314

---

	There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 83,314
= candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data?Contact our sales team.

Earlier results

To view the electoral history dating back to 2000 for the office of U.S. House Tennessee District 7, click [show] to expand the section.

2016 See also:Tennessee's 7th Congressional District election, 2016 Heading into the election, Ballotpediarated this race as safely Republican. IncumbentMarsha Blackburn (R) defeatedTharon Chandler (D) andLeonard Ladner (independent) in the general election on November 8, 2016. No candidate in the race faced a primary opponent in August.[18][19][20] U.S. House, Tennessee District 7 General Election, 2016 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Marsha BlackburnIncumbent 72.2% 200,407      Democratic Tharon Chandler 23.5% 65,226      Independent Leonard Ladner 4.3% 11,880 Total Votes 277,513 Source:Tennessee Secretary of State 2014 See also:Tennessee's 7th Congressional District elections, 2014 The 7th Congressional District of Tennessee held an election for theU.S. House of Representatives on November 4, 2014. IncumbentMarsha Blackburn (R) defeatedDan Cramer (D) andLenny Ladner (L) in the general election. U.S. House, Tennessee District 7 General Election, 2014 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Marsha BlackburnIncumbent 70% 110,498      Democratic Dan Cramer 26.8% 42,260      Independent Lenny Ladner 3.2% 5,092 Total Votes 157,850 Source:Tennessee Secretary of State 2012 See also:Tennessee's 7th Congressional District elections, 2012 The 7th Congressional District of Tennessee held an election for theU.S. House of Representatives on November 6, 2012. incumbentMarsha Blackburn won re-election in the district.[21] U.S. House, Tennessee District 7 General Election, 2012 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Credo Amouzouvik 24% 61,679      Republican Marsha BlackburnIncumbent 71% 182,730      Green Howard Switzer 1.8% 4,640      Independent William Akin 1.1% 2,740      Independent Jack Arnold 1.7% 4,256      Independent Lenny Ladner 0.5% 1,261 Total Votes 257,306 Source:Tennessee Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election" 2010 On November 2, 2010, Marsha Blackburn won re-election to theUnited States House. She defeated Greg Rabidoux (D) and J.W. "Bill" Stone (I) in the general election.[22] U.S. House, Tennessee District 7 General Election, 2010 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Marsha Blackburnincumbent 72.4% 158,916      Democratic Greg Rabidoux 24.8% 54,347      Independent J.W. "Bill" Stone 2.9% 6,320 Total Votes 219,583 2008 On November 4, 2008, Marsha Blackburn won re-election to theUnited States House. She defeated Randy G. Morris (D) in the general election.[23] U.S. House, Tennessee District 7 General Election, 2008 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Marsha Blackburnincumbent 68.6% 217,332      Democratic Randy G. Morris 31.4% 99,549 Total Votes 316,881 2006 On November 7, 2006, Marsha Blackburn won re-election to theUnited States House. She defeated Bill Morrison (D), Kathleen A. Culver (I), James B. "Mickey" White (I), William J. Smith (I), John L. Rimer (I) and Gayl G. Pratt (I) in the general election.[24] U.S. House, Tennessee District 7 General Election, 2006 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Marsha Blackburnincumbent 66% 152,288      Democratic Bill Morrison 31.8% 73,369      Independent Kathleen A. Culver 0.8% 1,806      Independent James B. "Mickey" White 0.4% 898      Independent William J. Smith 0.4% 848      Independent John L. Rimer 0.3% 710      Independent Gayl G. Pratt 0.3% 663 Total Votes 230,582 2004 On November 2, 2004, Marsha Blackburn won re-election to theUnited States House. She ran unopposed in the general election.[25] U.S. House, Tennessee District 7 General Election, 2004 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Marsha Blackburnincumbent 100% 232,404 Total Votes 232,404 2002 On November 5, 2002, Marsha Blackburn won election to theUnited States House. She defeated Tim Barron (D) and Rick Patterson (I) in the general election.[26] U.S. House, Tennessee District 7 General Election, 2002 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Marsha Blackburn 70.7% 138,314      Democratic Tim Barron 26.5% 51,790      Independent Rick Patterson 2.8% 5,423      N/A Write-in 0% 31 Total Votes 195,558 2000 On November 7, 2000, Ed Bryant won re-election to theUnited States House. He defeated Richard P. Sims (D) and Denis Solee (L) in the general election.[27] U.S. House, Tennessee District 7 General Election, 2000 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Ed Bryant 69.6% 171,056      Democratic Richard P. Sims 29.1% 71,587      Libertarian Denis Solee 1.2% 2,941      Write-in 0% 65 Total Votes 245,649

2025 battleground elections

See also:Battlegrounds

This was abattleground election. Other 2025 battleground elections included:

• Mayoral election in Jersey City, New Jersey (2025)
• Virginia lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2025

See also

• Special elections to the 119th United States Congress (2025-2026)
• Tennessee's 7th Congressional District special election, 2025 (October 7 Democratic primary)
• Tennessee's 7th Congressional District special election, 2025 (October 7 Republican primary)

External links

• Search Google News for this topic

Footnotes