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Aftyn Behn Seeks Historic Upset in Tennessee’s Deep-Red 7th District

Progressive State Representative Aftyn Behn is the Democratic candidate in a December 2 special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, a seat President Trump carried by 22 points in 2024. Democrats have not flipped a similarly deep-red Tennessee district in over 40 years, making the race notable. Behn says an upset is possible and has been laying out her case in recent interviews. The election will be watched for turnout and whether Democratic outreach can sway voters in a strongly Republican district.

Aftyn Behn Seeks Historic Upset in Tennessee’s Deep-Red 7th District

Progressive State Representative Aftyn Behn is mounting a long-shot bid to flip Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District in a special election on December 2. The district is solidly Republican — President Trump carried it by 22 points in 2024 — and the seat is currently vacant.

Democrats have not captured a seat like this in Tennessee in more than 40 years, making this contest unusually significant for the party. Behn, the Democratic nominee, says she believes an upset is possible and has been outlining her case in recent interviews.

Why this race matters

Beyond the immediate outcome for the 7th District, the special election will be watched for what it may reveal about voter sentiment in conservative areas and the effectiveness of grassroots organizing in traditionally one-party districts. While the odds favor the Republican candidate given recent margins, Behn’s campaign emphasizes outreach to persuadable and infrequent voters.

What to watch on Dec. 2: turnout among suburban and rural voters, the strength of local organizing, and whether Democratic messaging can gain traction in a district that voted heavily for Trump in 2024. The result will offer a snapshot of political dynamics in Tennessee heading into future contests.

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