NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Despite facing a treacherous wintry mix of sleet and snow, Tennessee voters are heading to polling stations across the state’s Seventh Congressional District today to participate in a special election that could help shape the balance of power in Congress.
The polls opened at 7 a.m. and will remain accessible until 7 p.m., giving residents throughout the district a 12-hour window to make their voices heard in this closely watched race.
Six candidates are vying for the congressional seat left vacant when Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.) stepped down in June to pursue opportunities in the private sector. Leading the field are Republican candidate Matt Van Epps and Democratic contender Aftyn Behn, while four independent candidates are also seeking to represent the district in Washington.
The Seventh Congressional District, which encompasses parts of Middle Tennessee including portions of Davidson, Williamson, and surrounding counties, has traditionally leaned Republican in recent election cycles. However, political analysts suggest that special elections often produce unexpected results due to varying turnout patterns and unique local dynamics.
Green’s departure created an immediate vacancy in the House of Representatives, where every seat carries significant weight in determining legislative priorities and committee leadership. The timing of his resignation meant that Tennessee officials had to quickly organize this December special election to ensure the district maintains representation during the final weeks of the current congressional session.
Early reports from polling locations indicate that despite the challenging weather conditions, voter turnout appears steady throughout the district. Election officials have been monitoring conditions closely and working to ensure that all polling stations remain accessible to voters, with some locations providing additional assistance for those navigating icy walkways.
The candidates have spent recent weeks making final appeals to voters through door-to-door campaigning, community forums, and targeted media appearances. Both major party candidates held competing rallies over the weekend in an 11th-hour push to energize their respective bases and attract undecided voters.
Van Epps has focused his campaign on conservative fiscal policies and maintaining the district’s Republican representation, while Behn has emphasized healthcare access, economic opportunity, and bringing fresh perspectives to Congress. The independent candidates have positioned themselves as alternatives to traditional party politics, though they face the typical challenges of name recognition and fundraising that third-party candidates encounter.
Local election officials expect to begin reporting preliminary results shortly after polls close at 7 p.m., though the final tally may be delayed depending on weather-related logistical challenges and voter turnout levels. The winner will serve the remainder of Green’s term and will need to run again in 2026 for a full two-year term.
This special election represents the first major electoral test in Tennessee since the 2024 general election and provides an early indicator of voter sentiment heading into the 2026 midterm cycle. Political observers from both parties are watching closely to gauge whether national political trends will influence local voting patterns in this traditionally conservative district.
