TN-7 Special Election State of the Race

Five weeks out from Election Day, Aftyn Behn’s campaign for Congress in Tennessee’s 7th District is surging. Recent internal polling shows the margins are shrinking.

Recent polling confirms what we’ve seen on the ground — this race is competitive, winnable, and within striking distance. Aftyn’s grassroots campaign has the momentum, message, and the organizing infrastructure to shock Washington to its core and deliver a historic win in the last red-to-blue congressional race in the nation this year.

Polling Results: A Competitive Race

According to new data from Workbench Strategy, Democratic nominee Aftyn trails Republican Matt Van Epps by just single digits in a district designed to elect Republicans. Among highly motivated voters, the race is tied.

Key findings:

• Voters are frustrated with the status quo and open to change.

• 82% agree Congress must act immediately to prevent health care costs from rising.

• 73% say families like theirs are struggling to make ends meet.

• Majorities agree that “no party should control the entire government” — proof that voters are ready for checks and balances.

These results show a clear path to victory:

1. Drive turnout among Democrats, young voters, Black voters, and voters in Davidson County.

2. Persuade moderate Republicans and Independents who want checks on power in Washington.

3. Define Van Epps early — and remind voters they have a real choice this December.

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Message & Momentum

Our campaign’s message — that Tennessee deserves leaders who fight for affordability and accountability, and won’t cower to special interests or puppet masters but actually represent the people of the 7th congressional district.

Our people-powered campaign rejects the big money status quo and puts voters and those most impacted by bad policies at the center of the conversation. Aftyn’s track record of winning tough fights, organizing roots, and her deep love of her community — from protecting rural hospitals like in Houston County to suing the state to protect our First Amendment rights and winning — make her the perfect candidate to flip this seat.

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Ground Game

Our field operation is already underway in close coordination with the Tennessee Democratic Party, county party chairs, and our national senior advisors who’ve taken on front-line races — Ian Russell (Beacon Media), Jeannie Carlson (Blue Nation Strategies), Lacey Morrison, and Josh Sulier (Invictus Campaigns).

With every Democratic county party reorganized, including Montgomery, Davidson, and Williamson counties, which are reaching out to voters on a daily basis, our field plan intends to leverage the localized party infrastructure, relational organizing, and layered communications to reach every voter possible to ensure they understand this election is a referendum on affordability.

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Upcoming Events

Our campaign calendar reflects both our statewide reach and growing coalition:

• Weekly TN Stakeholder Calls: Wednesdays — request to join via team@aftynbehn.com

• Veterans Town Hall – Clarksville: Tuesday, November 12. The official announcement, including speakers, will be shared in the coming days via social media and Mobilize.

• Townhall in Davidson County with Special Guest: Friday, November 7. The official announcement will be shared in the coming days via social media and Mobilize.

• NOAH Candidate Forum: Sunday, November 9. Details can be found here.

• Blue South Banquet: Friday, November 14. Details can be found here.

• Meet-n-Greet with Senator Charlane Oliver: Sunday, November 16. The official announcement, including speakers, will be shared in the coming days via social media and Mobilize.

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How to Get Involved

This is a people-powered campaign — and we’re inviting Tennesseans and anyone across the country who is disenchanted with what is going on in politics to join the fight. Here’s how you can help:

• Volunteer: Sign up for canvases, phone banks, or voter outreach events.

• Donate: Every dollar fuels voter contact, digital ads, and mail.

• Host: Organize a house party or fundraiser to help grow our coalition.

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Bottom Line

This race will be close — but it’s winnable. With the full support of the Tennessee Democratic Party, local elected officials, and grassroots organizations across the district, our campaign has the message, momentum, and organizing power to flip TN-07 for the first time in decades. On December 2, voters will decide whether to send another Trump-aligned Republican to Washington or elect a fighter who won’t sell out her community. What happens here will echo far beyond our state — proving that Tennessee isn’t a lost cause, it’s the next battleground.

— Kate Briefs

Campaign Manager, Aftyn for Congress