Democratic Turnout Surges in Tennessee Primary Election

Tonight, State Rep. Aftyn Behn won the Democratic primary election for Tennessee’s Seventh Congressional District. Behn will face Matt Van Epps, Trump’s extreme preferred candidate, in the Dec. 2 special election.

In yet another sign Democrats have the momentum, Democratic turnout has already surpassed 2024 levels by over 33% in this Trump +20 district.

Now, as we move towards the special election, Van Epps will have to defend Trump’s Big Ugly Bill. In Tennessee alone, Trump’s budget and the expiration of ACA subsidies will kick 210,000 people off their health insurance and put nine rural hospitals on the brink of closure.

In response, DNC Chair Ken Martin released the following statement: 

“The DNC congratulates Rep. Aftyn Behn for winning the Democratic nomination for the special election in Tennessee’s Seventh Congressional District. Aftyn Behn will fight tooth and nail to lower costs for working Tennessee families and stand up for the people of Middle and West Tennessee instead of the billionaires Matt Van Epps wants to represent. Democrats had a great night in Tennessee as turnout surged in the Democratic primary, underscoring once again that the momentum is with us. Democrats are on offense everywhere as we ensure voters know how toxic Trump’s Big Ugly Bill is, which will kick nearly 68,000 off their health insurance in Tennessee alone. The wind is at our backs.”