Van Epps defeats Aftyn Behn in congressional election closely watched for signs of Republican weakness
Republican Matt Van Epps defeated Democrat Aftyn Behn in a congressional special election in the western Nashville suburbs, which was being closely watched for signs of Republican weakness going into congressional midterms next year.
The Associated Press called the race at 9.47 EST with Van Epps holding a 52% to 46% lead.
“This race was bigger than just one campaign,” Van Epps said in a statement. “It represented a defining moment for Tennessee and for the direction of the country.”
Van Epps argued that his victory served as a sign that conservative voters remained supportive of Donald Trump’s leadership. Trump campaigned virtually on Van Epps’s behalf in the closing days of the race.
