‘Another great night for the Republican Party!’ Trump congratulates Matt Van Epps for winning Tennessee congressional race

In a high-profile race for a seat in U.S. Congress from Tennessee, Republican Matt Van Epps has defeated Democrat Aftyn Behn.

With 95% of the results tallied, Epps, a former Army helicopter pilot, collected 53.9% of votes cast, with State Rep. Behn receiving 45.0%.

With the race called, Van Epps currently has 52.5% of the vote.

Join the waitlist for our new results experience at: https://t.co/7BFRZvZQLe https://t.co/Ul7n7IyyaX pic.twitter.com/ysvl0CL9tx

— Decision Desk HQ (@DecisionDeskHQ) December 3, 2025

President Donald Trump, who actively promoted Epps, was among the first to announce the win on Truth Social: “Congratulations to Matt Van Epps on his BIG Congressional WIN in the Great State of Tennessee. The Radical Left Democrats threw everything at him, including Millions of Dollars. Another great night for the Republican Party!!!”

BREAKING: President Trump responds to Matt Van Epps’ US House win tonight in Tennessee

“Congratulations Matt. A BIG WIN! President DJT”

Keep adding to the Republican majority! https://t.co/teB7ka0gBF pic.twitter.com/jO3PKOTVIc

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) December 3, 2025

Behn had received major media coverage in recent days for her controversial statements supporting the burning down of police stations, being “uncomfortable” with prayer, and that men can give birth.

Outkick founder Clay Travis had shared an ad that was aired in Tennessee, opining: “Democrat Aftyn Behn says rioting is a way for people to express themselves & bragged about harassing ICE agents. Tennessee you have to vote Matt Epps for Congress next week. This chick is f’ing insane.”

Democrat Aftyn Behn says rioting is a way for people to express themselves & bragged about harassing ICE agents. Tennessee you have to vote Matt Epps for Congress next week. This chick is f’ing insane. pic.twitter.com/xinoHsPD9g

— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) November 24, 2025

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, predicted the 2026 midterm elections would depend on which party does a better job of getting out its supporters.

“It’s gonna be a turnout election,” Cruz told Sean Hannity on Fox News. “Hate is a powerful motivator.”

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WATCH: Dem congressional candidate Aftyn Behn ducks behind one absurd reason when confronted over her incendiary comments

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‘This chick is f*ing insane’: Watch Democrat running for Congress refuse to denounce her calls to burn down police stations