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politics20h ago
Democratic strategist says Tennessee nominee was ‘fringe of a fringe,’ doomed party's chances
- Behn narrowly loses the Tennessee 7th District special election, with Van Epps securing the seat for Republicans.
- Democrats called the race a missed opportunity, arguing Behn’s inroads showed they could compete in red districts.
- Welcome urged Democrats to balance affordability with security and public safety to win in red districts.
- Behn faced scrutiny over past comments, including remarks about Nashville that resurfaced during the campaign.
- Democratic strategists say the result shows the need for centrist candidates in red districts ahead of 2026 elections.
- DCCC and DNC framed the election as proof Democrats are on offense heading into 2026.
- Behn’s loss ends in a high-profile test for Democratic messaging in a Trump-leaning district.
- Behn’s campaign used affordability messaging, but critics say it wasn’t enough to overcome other issues.
- Van Epps celebrated victory after a campaign in Nashville, securing the seat for Republicans.
- The race followed Behn's single-digit loss that two sides framed differently as a signal for 2026.
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