President Donald Trump pushed voters in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District to back Matt Van Epps in a late endorsement, warning that his Democratic opponent has a record that clashes with conservative values and urging turnout ahead of the special election. The post highlighted sharp differences on faith, guns, immigration, and culture while reminding Republicans that this race matters to the House majority. The campaign clash centers on character and priorities, with Van Epps presented as a proven veteran and Behn criticized for past remarks on policing and culture.
Trump’s message was blunt and aimed directly at the district’s conservative base, telling supporters to mobilize. “all America First Patriots in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, who haven’t voted yet, to please GET OUT AND VOTE.” That call came just days before the ballot, underlining how close contests can shift control in Washington.
The president didn’t hold back when describing his opponent’s record, listing a string of positions he argued are out of step with the district. “hates Christianity, will take away your guns, wants Open Borders, Transgender for everybody, men in women’s sports, and openly disdains Country music.” Those are serious charges for voters who care about faith, safety, and local culture.
Trump doubled down on the warning, saying the opponent’s remarks are documented and urging Republicans not to be complacent. “She said all of these things precisely, and without question — IT’S ON TAPE!” The message aimed to transform concern into votes and to keep turnout high in a seat that matters to the conservative majority.
Republicans also face the practical reality of a slimmer margin in the House after a recent resignation that tightened control, making every pickup or hold more urgent. Party leaders view races like the 7th District as part of a larger defense of conservative policy in Congress. “Do not take this Race for granted.” That phrase captures the urgency Republicans feel when a single seat can swing committee assignments and legislative leverage.
Trump framed Van Epps as the clear conservative choice and warned that opponents are pouring money into the race to try to flip it. “The Radical Left Democrats are spending a fortune to beat one of the best Candidates we’ve ever had, Matt Van Epps!” For voters skeptical of outside spending and national left-wing agendas, that line reinforces a familiar narrative about outside influence.
Van Epps brings a military résumé to the campaign, serving as a lieutenant colonel in the Tennessee Army National Guard and a former Army helicopter pilot. His service record is a focal point for supporters who want steady leadership and a candidate who knows the cost of defending the country. Trump’s earlier endorsement and praise were presented as validation of Van Epps’ conservative credentials and character.
On the other side, Aftyn Behn has faced scrutiny for past comments that critics say put her at odds with mainstream voters in the district. Her public history includes sharp critiques of policing and cultural remarks that opponents have seized on as evidence she’s out of step with Tennessee values. “In 2020, you made some tweets that have since been deleted that were very critical of police… 2020 was obviously a very fraught year. Do you still stand by those comments? And if not, is there anything you want to clarify?”
Behn’s reply to those questions leaned into localism and avoided a direct rescind, stressing solutions at the community level rather than engaging national talking points. “I’m not going to engage in cable news talking points, but what I will say is that, you know, our communities need solutions,” Behn responded. “We need local people deciding, solving local problems with local solutions. And that’s not the overreach of a federal government or state government of which we are dealing with in Nashville and our cities across the state of Tennessee.”
The campaign now hinges on turnout, messaging, and which side can best convince swing voters that their values and safety are at stake. For Republican voters, the choice is framed as protecting religious freedom, defending gun rights, and preserving local culture against a national leftward push. With the election imminent, both sides are racing to define the narrative and secure the seat that could matter in the next session of Congress.
