Polls open in US state of Tennessee as Democrats, Republicans vie for House seat

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - Polls opened in the US state of Tennessee on Tuesday as Republicans and Democrats compete to fill a seat in the US House of Representatives vacated by former Representative Mark Green.

Green's abrupt resignation in July set off the special election in the state's solidly Republican 7th District, where President Donald Trump easily claimed victory by 22 points in 2024.

But the contest between Republican Matt Van Epps and Democratic state Representative Aftyn Behn has shaped up to be relatively more competitive as Democrats seek to build momentum heading into next year's midterm elections.

While many from both parties predict Van Epps will emerge victorious Tuesday night, all eyes will be on the margin for whomever comes out on top as Democrats seek a bellwether for their 2026 prospects.

In a sign of the importance of Tuesday's election, Trump called into an event hosted by House Speaker Mike Johnson the day prior to stir up fervor among Republican voters.

"The whole world is watching Tennessee right now, and they’re watching your district," Trump said after Johnson put him on speaker phone at the event. "It’s a big vote and it’s gonna show something. And it’s gonna show that the Republican Party is stronger than it’s ever been."

Behn, a progressive Democrats, held rallies in which she zeroed in on affordability -- a key messaging point for Democrats that led to major victories in New York City, Virginia and elsewhere during this year's off-season elections.

Joining her virtually were Tennessee native and former Vice President Al Gore and fellow progressive Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.