A congressional district in Tennessee that has been a Republican stronghold for over forty years is now the site of a surprisingly competitive special election. The race, set for December 2nd, is emerging as a key test of voter sentiment amid widespread economic pressures.
The Democratic nominee, state representative Aftyn Behn, is framing her campaign as a direct channel for constituent dissatisfaction. “If you are upset with the cost of living and the chaos, I am your candidate,” Behn stated, describing her effort as building a “coalition of the disenchanted.” She faces Republican Matt Van Epps, an army veteran who has received the endorsement of former President Donald Trump.
Recent polling indicates the race has narrowed significantly, with Van Epps holding a single-digit lead. This shift occurs against a backdrop of economic strain in the state. Tennessee ranks high in grocery cost burdens and has seen housing affordability decline sharply, factors Behn cites as central to her platform. “We’re hitting metrics that are making it nearly impossible for many to survive here,” she argued.
The campaign has highlighted contrasting styles. Behn emphasizes accessibility, citing a record of town halls and direct voter contact, and notes her refusal of corporate political action committee money. Her opponent has declined to debate and has maintained a lower public profile, a tactic Behn characterizes as “hiding from the people.”
National political currents are also at play. The Democratic National Committee has provided organizational support to Behn’s campaign, while national Republican groups have similarly backed Van Epps. The outcome may signal the potency of economic issues in a traditionally conservative area.
Beyond the cost of living, Behn has criticized what she calls a pattern of government favoritism toward corporate interests, pointing to a recent controversial state-approved project for a private transit tunnel in Nashville. “Our government too often works clandestinely for the puppet masters rather than the people,” she said, vowing to fight what she termed the “billionaire boys’ club.”
With early voting underway, the election will determine who fills the seat vacated by Republican Mark Green. The result will be closely watched as a measure of whether economic discontent can redraw the political map in deep-red territory.