Matt Van Epps' victory over Democrat Aftyn Behn was a potential warning sign for Republicans less than a year from the 2026 midterm elections.

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Voters are heading to the polls Tuesday in central Tennessee for 2025's final election showdown in a race that could be a referendum on President Trump.

Matt Van Epps, who was backed by Trump, is projected to defeat Democrat Aftyn Behn in a congressional district the president won by 22 percentage points in 2024.

The "safe" House seat is a warning to the GOP, and Donald Trump, about gerrymanders, independents and 2026.

Republican Matt Van Epps has won a special election in Tennessee for a seat in the U.S. House. Van Epps was backed by President Donald Trump.

Republican Matt Van Epps won the Tennessee 7th Congressional special election, but Aftyn Behn's overperformance has Democrats celebrating, too, and sets up an affordability focus in the 2026 midterms.

Tennessee special election results spark debate over 2026 midterms as Republicans maintain House seat despite heavy Democratic spending and efforts.

Republican Matt Van Epps won a special election on Tuesday to represent Tennessee's 7th Congressional District.

Tennessee's District 7 has long been a Republican stronghold, made even stronger in 2022.

Republican Matt Van Epps held off a challenge from Democrat Aftyn Behn on Tuesday in the special election in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, with voters delivering both a result and a broader

Both parties found reasons to celebrate the Tennessee special election, in which Republican Matt Van Epps prevailed over Democrat Aftyn Behn.