"In a deep red district that Trump had won by more than 20 points in 2024, Democratic state representative Aftyn Behn dramatically closed the gap into the high single digits. With over 95 percent of precincts reporting, Republican Matt Van Epps had won a 54 percent to 45 percent victory over the Democratic candidate, who had become a progressive darling and right wing bugbear in recent weeks."
"Republicans took their own victory lap. "No matter what the D.C. insiders or liberal media say, this is President Trump's party. I'm proud to be a part of it and can't wait to get to work," Van Epps said during his victory speech, according to the Associated Press. And on some level, Republicans are correct: Even though this is SEC country, politics isn't like college football and strength of victory doesn't matter."
"And on that front, Behn's 9-point loss suggested the party had gained significant ground-given that Trump had beaten Kamala Harris by 22 points here a year ago. Democrats would have needed a perfect storm to win a special election in a district like this. Behn was a steadfast progressive with a long history of intemperate online comments that were tailor made for 30-second television ads and Fox News monologues."
Aftyn Behn, a Democratic state representative, significantly reduced a more-than-20-point Republican margin in a Tennessee district that Trump carried in 2024, ultimately losing to Matt Van Epps 54-45 with over 95 percent reporting. The narrowed margin brought the race into the high single digits and transformed a safe seat into a competitive contest, prompting Democratic optimism about 2026 House and Senate prospects. Republicans celebrated Van Epps's victory and emphasized alignment with President Trump. Observers noted that Behn's progressive record and a history of intemperate online remarks made her an effective target for conservative attacks during the campaign.
Read at Slate Magazine
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