Tennessee

Matt Van Epps, a West Point graduate and Lieutenant Colonel in the Tennessee Army National Guard, delivered a solid win for Republicans in the special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. Despite the race falling in an off year and just days after Thanksgiving, when turnout is typically low, Van Epps still secured a decisive and confident victory. His performance shows the GOP base remains energized and engaged. He ultimately defeated progressive Democrat Aftyn Behn by 9 points — a clear and commanding margin in any special election. The Power of a Trump Endorsement Van Epps ran with the endorsement of President Donald Trump, and that support still carries tremendous influence in conservative circles. Republican voters trust the president’s judgment, and his backing helped energize the district. Trump remains the leader of the Republican Party, and his endorsement continues to hold real power. Even so, candidates must build their own following. Van Epps showed he is well on his way with this election win. President Trump congratulated Van Epps tonight on a solid win for the Republican Party: More Stories Drowning in Bills? These Debt Solutions Could Be the Break You Need Out-of-Town Renters Are Driving Up Demand in These Five Cities Under Siege: My Family’s Fight to Save Our Nation – Book Review & Analysis Media and Polling Tried to Shape a Different Narrative Throughout the campaign, mainstream media coverage and selective polling pushed the idea that the race was neck-and-neck. Commentators repeatedly claimed Behn was within reach, creating a dramatic storyline that didn’t match the mood on the ground. When the votes were counted, that narrative collapsed. The final results made clear that the race was not the close contest the media tried to sell. Instead of a photo finish, voters delivered a confident Republican win that outpaced the predictions and undercut the polling hype. Realistic Expectations for a First-Time Candidate Some observers compared Van Epps to President Trump’s historic vote totals, but such expectations were unrealistic. Trump’s numbers are unique in modern American politics. No first-time congressional candidate — especially in an off-year special election — can replicate presidential-level turnout. Even with those inflated expectations circulating, Van Epps performed exceptionally well. He held the district with ease, energized Republican voters, and proved he can build momentum without relying on a presidential-year turnout surge. The Takeaway Matt Van Epps’ win deserves recognition for what it is: a firm, disciplined, and decisive Republican victory. He entered a uniquely timed race, faced a well-funded progressive opponent, and still delivered a strong and steady performance. Media outlets may try to downplay it, but his supporters saw a clear, well-earned win that positions him as a rising conservative voice. Republicans held the seat. President Trump’s endorsement proved influential. And Van Epps demonstrated that he has both the message and the momentum to make an impact in Congress. Cut Through the Noise. Slice Through the Lies. Share the Truth. At The Modern Memo, we don’t tiptoe around the narrative—we swing a machete through it. The mainstream won’t say it, so we will. If you’re tired of spin, censorship, and sugar-coated headlines, help us rip the cover off stories that matter. Share this article. Wake people up. Give a voice to the truth the powerful want buried. This fight isn’t just ours—it’s yours. Join us in exposing what they won’t tell you. America needs bold truth-tellers, and that means you. 📩 Love what you’re reading? Don’t miss a headline! Subscribe to The Modern Memo here! Explore More News Trump Designates Muslim Brotherhood a Terrorist Organization Trump and Elon Musk Reunite, Boosting GOP Unity Top 5 Essential Survival Gear Items For Any Adventure Epstein Files Bill Sparks New Questions as Jeffries Email Emerges