Former Vice President Kamala Harris made an unannounced campaign stop in Nashville to support Democrat Aftyn Behn in the Dec. 2 special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. The seat — previously won by Republican Mark Green by 21 points in 2024 — opened after his resignation earlier this year. Harris’s appearance is her most notable campaign-style engagement since last year’s presidential loss; early voting is underway as both parties escalate ad buys and organize turnout efforts.
Kamala Harris Returns to the Trail, Rallies in Nashville for Competitive Tennessee Special Election
Former Vice President Kamala Harris made an unannounced campaign stop in Nashville to support Democrat Aftyn Behn in the Dec. 2 special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. The seat — previously won by Republican Mark Green by 21 points in 2024 — opened after his resignation earlier this year. Harris’s appearance is her most notable campaign-style engagement since last year’s presidential loss; early voting is underway as both parties escalate ad buys and organize turnout efforts.
04:01 AM, 11/19/2025Politics
Former Vice President Kamala Harris returned to in-person campaigning this week, making a surprise appearance at a canvass launch in Nashville to boost Democrat Aftyn Behn in the Dec. 2 special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District.
Harris energized supporters at the event as Democrats aim for an upset in a district that strongly favors Republicans. The seat was carried by GOP Rep. Mark Green by 21 points in 2024; he resigned earlier this year, triggering the special election.
Kirsten Allen, a spokesperson for Harris, confirmed the former vice president’s appearance. The visit marks Harris’s first major campaign-style engagement since her presidential election loss last year.
Since the election, Harris has made several public appearances promoting her campaign memoir, which drew attention for candid assessments of the Democratic Party and reflections on last year’s defeat. She also produced an ad and spoke publicly in support of a California ballot measure to redraw that state’s congressional districts.
Early voting in the Tennessee special election is already underway. Democrats say they remain optimistic despite the district’s Republican lean, while national GOP groups are moving to protect the seat: two conservative super PACs, including a Trump-aligned PAC and the Club for Growth, purchased advertising in support of Republican candidate Matt Van Epps this week.
Why this race matters
The special election is being watched as an indicator of momentum heading into upcoming contests. A strong Democratic showing would signal resilience after recent off-year Democratic wins, while a Republican hold would reinforce the district’s GOP tilt.
What to watch next: turnout during early voting, the effectiveness of new ad buys by both sides, and whether national figures continue to invest time and resources in the race as Dec. 2 approaches.