Tennessee’s 7th District, a Trump stronghold by more than 15 points, nearly flipped to a radical Democrat—proof positive that the GOP is asleep at the switch.
Republican Rep. Tim Burchett warns this is our canary in the coal mine: homegrown Marxists are rising in conservative turf right under our noses.
Aftyn Behn isn’t some blue-state transplant. She was educated in Knoxville, preaching abolition of police and radical gender policies for children. This is native insurgency, not outside agitators.
Matt Van Epps, one of the most qualified candidates this party has ever fielded, almost lost. If he can’t carry a district that votes red by double-digits, we’re in real trouble.
Why? Because Republican leaders have ignored their base. Turnout among Evangelical Christians and gun owners cratered in this special election. That can’t happen again.
Democrats dumped millions into the race and summoned AOC, Al Gore and Pramila Jayapal to a virtual pep rally—proof they smelled blood. Yet they’re still clinging to victory in a district that hates their agenda.
Behn’s own words condemn her: she “hates Nashville,” detests country music and despises the district she hopes to represent. That’s not leadership; that’s contempt.
Republicans must wake up now—recommit to grassroots engagement, rally our voters, and remind America why conservative principles deliver results. Failure in Tennessee is a red flag for 2026. It’s time to pay attention—and win.
