Republicans will hold onto a GOP-controlled vacant congressional seat in ruby-red Tennessee –

After winning a hotly contested special election that grabbed plenty of national attention. ☰

Donald Trump
Trump-backed Republican keeps crucial congressional seat in GOP hands with special election victory
Matt Van Epps defeats Democratic rival Aftyn Behn in race seen as key barometer for 2026 midterms
Paul Steinhauser By Paul Steinhauser Fox News
Published December 2, 2025 9:38pm EST

Republicans will hold onto a GOP-controlled vacant congressional seat in ruby-red Tennessee after winning a hotly contested special election that grabbed plenty of national attention.

Republican nominee Matt Van Epps on Tuesday defeated Democratic rival Aftyn Behn, according to the Associated Press, in the high-stakes race to succeed former GOP Rep. Mark Green, who resigned from office in June to take a private sector job.

Van Epps, after greeting supporters outside a polling station earlier in the day, told Fox News Digital, “We’re getting incredible reports back all across the district with great turnout for us, and that’s how we’re going to carry this forward and win.”

With the GOP clinging to a razor-thin majority in the House, the special election was seen as a must-win for Republicans.

The race among the major GOP contenders turned into a test of loyalty to Trump, and with the president’s endorsement, Reeves suspended his campaign and backed Van Epps.