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politics1d ago
Democrats hope for off-year House upset in Tennessee Maga stronghold
- Behn is challenging a Republican-leaning Tennessee district in a high-stakes special election to replace Mark Green.
- Polls show Behn trailing by a small margin to Matt Van Epps, with Emerson/ Hill giving Van Epps a narrow lead.
- The district includes rural areas and parts of Nashville, with swing sectors like Clarksville influencing the race.
- Black voters, about 15% of the district, are seen as a potential swing bloc for Behn, according to analysts.
- Democrats hope a narrow win could energize candidates and fundraising in similarly red areas for 2026.
- Holy energy from Democratic groups is aimed at pressuring Republicans ahead of 2026, including HMP and Your Community.
- Behn, a state representative, has support from national figures including the DNC chair and Kamala Harris.
- Trump has urged voters to support Van Epps and his pro-GOP ads run in the race.
- Analysts caution that special-election turnout may not mirror midterm results, complicating broader implications.
- The district last year backed Trump by a large margin, underscoring the uphill battle for Behn.
- If Behn wins narrowly, it could prompt a broader GOP strategy rethink in red districts.
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