Tennessee
Republican Matt Van Epps defeats Democrat Aftyn Behn in Tennessee special election
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Republican Matt Van Epps won Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District special election, defeating Democrat Aftyn Behn by roughly nine points and narrowing, but not erasing, the GOP’s prior edge in the solidly conservative district. Republican strategists say the outcome underscores the risks they see for Democrats in nominating candidates they describe as too far to the left in competitive races.
Country music icon Dolly Parton celebrated her 80th birthday on January 19, 2026, by sharing festive social media posts and releasing a new version of her classic song. The rendition features collaborations with notable artists and supports a children's hospital. Tennessee proclaimed the day in her honor.
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Tennessee's sports wagering regulator has issued cease-and-desist orders to three federally regulated platforms—Kalshi, Polymarket, and Crypto.com—for offering sports betting contracts that violate state laws. The firms must shut down Tennessee-based activities, refund deposits, and void open contracts by January 31. This action highlights tensions between federal oversight and state gambling regulations.
After the 2023 Covenant School shooting by a transgender-identifying assailant, Tennessee Democrat Aftyn Behn said the backlash made her fearful for transgender communities and helped spur her political ambitions. Behn, now a congressional candidate, has described the period as deeply upsetting for her family and for trans organizers, and says it motivated her to fight for greater protections for transgender people.
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Aftyn Behn, a Democratic state representative, is the nominee in a special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District to replace resigned Rep. Mark Green. She faces Republican Matt Van Epps, who has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump, in a district that strongly backed Trump and Republicans in recent elections. Behn’s campaign has spotlighted her support for abortion rights amid Tennessee’s strict post-Roe laws.