House Democrats are increasingly involved in a race for a deeply conservative congressional seat in Tennessee, as their super PAC, House Majority PAC, allocated $1 million to state Rep. Aft, Behn’s campaign to support her bid for the open seat. This move signals the party’s continued optimism about its ability to compete against Republican candidates in districts that have historically favored their opponents. The contest, which pits Behn against Republican Matt Van Epps, marks one of the first major special election efforts by the party this cycle, despite the long-shot nature of the race.
Van Epps, who received support from a range of Trump-aligned groups, including the Trump-allied super PAC and the Club for Growth, has already outspent Behn in the race, with Republicans having spent over $1.7 million in the campaign. The spending reflects the race’s national significance, including the involvement of high-profile figures like President Donald Trump, who has actively supported Van Epps through events such as a telephone rally, while former Vice President Kamala Harris has endorsed Behn through a canvass launch. The Democratic campaign is now focused on expanding its outreach, particularly in a state where the Republican Party holds a strong majority.
This race comes at a time when Democrats are re-evaluating their strategy in deeply conservative districts, after the party’s recent performance in the presidential race. While some analysts believe the race remains a challenging one for Democrats, the party is expressing confidence in its ability to compete under the conditions. Behn’s campaign has already raised over $1 million in total donations, with a significant portion coming from small donors, while Van Epps has raised $590,000 from a range of sources, including other political committees. The level of fundraising demonstrates the growing interest in the race, despite its perceived odds.
The Democratic campaign has also been bolstered by the party’s increased focus on special elections, which have traditionally received less attention compared to regular elections. The House Majority PAC’s investment of $1 million in the race marks the beginning of a new phase for the party’s efforts in the region, as they attempt to make inroads into areas where the GOP currently holds strong control. With both candidates having raised significant sums, the race is expected to be a close and highly competitive contest, with both sides investing heavily in advertising and campaigning to strengthen their position in the race.