Trump and Harris Join Forces: How $10 Million is Shaking Up Tennessee's Special Election!

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The upcoming special election for Tennessee's 7th congressional district on December 2 is shaping up to be a pivotal political battleground, significantly influenced by national figures and financial backing. While the race initially flew under the radar in this heavily Republican district, the involvement of allies to former President Donald Trump and a recent appearance by former Vice President Kamala Harris have transformed it into a critical contest with potential implications for the 2024 midterms.

This election marks the first federal contest since the November 4 elections, where Democrats gained ground, presenting a narrative that could influence Republican strategies moving forward. Republican operatives are eager to alter the story of Democratic victories by investing heavily in this special election. They are banking on the hope that a strong performance will help maintain their control over the U.S. House.

According to reports, MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, has already committed over $1 million to support Republican candidate Matt Van Epps, a former Army helicopter pilot and combat veteran. This is the PAC's first significant financial involvement since the last presidential campaign, underscoring the stakes involved for both parties.

“I’m very concerned that we could be caught with our pants down,” said Rep. Tim Burchett, a Republican from Tennessee, highlighting the urgency felt within the party as the election approaches just days after Thanksgiving.

On the Democratic side, State Rep. Aftyn Behn, a progressive community organizer, is garnering national attention and support, including recent visits from Democratic Party leaders and $1 million allocated for television and digital advertising by the House Majority PAC. Harris’ visit to Nashville for a canvassing event further underscores the strategic importance placed on this race by national Democrats.

While the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee did not officially invite Harris, her presence alongside Behn at the event reflects the party's unified front in hopes of boosting Behn's visibility and appeal. Libby Schneider, deputy executive director at the Democratic National Committee, expressed that a strong showing by Behn—regardless of the outcome—could invigorate the party’s efforts to reclaim control in the upcoming year. “We continue to overperform in places where we have no business overperforming,” Schneider stated.

This special election was prompted by the retirement of Republican Rep. Mark Green, who previously held the seat by a wide margin of 21 percentage points in 2024, a reflection of the district's heavy Republican leanings. The district was also redrawn in 2022 in an effort to dilute the influence of Nashville, a city known for its Democratic support.

Van Epps has closely aligned himself with Trump, openly stating during a virtual rally, “I will have your back 100%.” His campaign focuses on lowering costs, helping veterans, and supporting Trump's controversial policies on immigration and sports participation by transgender women. In contrast, Behn describes herself as a “pissed off social worker” and aims to address pressing concerns around affordability, notably advocating for the elimination of a state tax on groceries.

“If you are upset about the cost of living and the chaos of Washington, we are your campaign,” Behn declared during a recent rally, emphasizing her message to voters disillusioned by rising costs.

The race has attracted significant financial resources from both sides, with Democratic allies leveraging independent candidate Jon Thorp to siphon votes away from Van Epps. Your Community PAC, which has invested over $16 million in supporting Democratic candidates nationwide, is distributing mailers characterizing Van Epps as a “hedge fund billionaire-backed RINO.” In response, Conservatives for American Excellence has committed over $600,000 in advertising against Behn, while the Club for Growth is targeting her with $300,000 aimed at her past remarks describing herself as “radical.”

Political strategist Chip Saltsman noted that while he expects Van Epps to win, the heavy spending indicates potential vulnerabilities. He suggested that Republicans might face “a little heartburn” as the election approaches, given the unusual dynamics at play.

As Tennessee's 7th congressional district gears up for this momentous election, the national implications of the race cannot be understated. With financial resources and high-profile endorsements on both sides, the outcome could signal a shift in the political landscape as both parties prepare for the 2024 elections.