January 1, Music City Election Sparks GOP Jitters

Wyatt’s Take

• A special election in Tennessee is raising eyebrows as Democrats try to make headway in a solidly red district.
• Republicans are defending a seat that hasn’t seen much competition in years, with big questions about support for Trump and the party’s future.
• Depending on the outcome, both parties could get new ideas for winning in the heartland.

Voters in Tennessee’s 7th District are deciding if their support is for conservative tradition or a new direction as Republican Matt Van Epps faces Democrat Aftyn Behn. President Trump carried the district easily before, so this contest has caught both parties’ attention. Political insiders are watching for signs the Republican base might be softening or if Democrats are gaining steam ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Democrat Aftyn Behn, compared to progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is campaigning in a district where she once said,

“I hate the bachelorettes, I hate the pedal taverns, I hate country music. I hate all the things that make Nashville apparently an ‘it city’”

—remarks Republicans use to argue she’s out of touch. The GOP wants voters to see her values as a mismatch for Tennessee’s heartland.

Both sides are pouring in money for a last-minute push. Republicans are trying to protect a once-safe seat, while Democrats hope for an upset. A win by Behn could set off big changes, bringing more progressives into tough races across the country. But that could backfire for Democrats in swing districts where progressive values may not play well.

If Van Epps holds the district, the real story might be in how close it gets. Even a narrow win could show cracks in Republican support that spell trouble next year. The GOP will say a win is proof conservative values remain strong in the area, but losing ground could suggest otherwise.

No matter the outcome, the results will have folks from both parties rethinking strategy before the next big election.

Keep an eye on this race—it’s a preview of political battles to come.

Full story at Fox News

Wyatt Matters

What happens in Tennessee’s 7th District reflects the changing tides in America’s heartland. Folks here want leaders who share their values and understand their way of life, not far-off ideas from the coasts.