The battle for America’s energy independence and congressional control converges in Tennessee’s 7th District, where a critical special election could tip the balance of power in Washington. With Trump-endorsed candidate Matt Van Epps facing off against Democrat state Rep. Aftyn Behn, this race represents far more than a single House seat—it’s a referendum on whether America continues its march toward energy dominance or retreats into the failed policies of the past.
Van Epps understands what’s at stake. With House Republicans holding a razor-thin majority and pending resignations threatening to shrink their numbers further, every seat matters for advancing the America First agenda that voters decisively endorsed in 2024. “We cannot afford to lose momentum now,” Van Epps declared, recognizing that congressional gridlock would only benefit the globalist establishment that has enriched itself while American families struggled with high energy costs and economic uncertainty.
The Tennessee candidate has positioned himself as a champion of the energy revolution that’s transforming red states into powerhouses of innovation and prosperity. His unwavering support for Tennessee’s groundbreaking Clinch River small modular reactor project—set to come online in 2032—demonstrates the forward-thinking leadership that puts American energy independence ahead of environmental extremism and foreign dependency.
This isn’t just about electricity generation; it’s about economic sovereignty. Van Epps correctly connects energy policy to agricultural costs and manufacturing competitiveness, understanding that cheap, abundant American energy is the foundation of a thriving economy. While Democrats continue pushing green fantasies that enrich Chinese solar panel manufacturers and devastate American workers, Van Epps champions the nuclear innovation that will power America’s industrial renaissance for decades to come.
On healthcare, Van Epps offers the free-market solutions that empower consumers rather than bureaucrats. His advocacy for price transparency and expanded Health Savings Accounts represents a direct challenge to the healthcare cartel that has profited from opacity and government mandates. These reforms would restore the doctor-patient relationship while dismantling the administrative bloat that drives up costs for working families.
The candidate’s commitment to common-sense positions—keeping biological men out of women’s sports and securing our borders—reflects the values that resonate with Tennessee voters who reject woke ideology and open-border chaos. While his opponent represents the progressive establishment that prioritizes virtue signaling over practical governance, Van Epps stands firmly with constitutional principles and American traditions.
This race illuminates the broader challenge facing Republicans as they work to consolidate their 2024 gains. The America First movement must demonstrate that constitutional conservatism delivers tangible benefits to working families, not just rhetorical victories. Van Epps’ sophisticated understanding of energy policy and regulatory reform shows how the next generation of conservative leaders can articulate the connection between American energy dominance and economic prosperity.
The stakes extend far beyond Tennessee’s borders. A Van Epps victory would strengthen the foundation for America’s energy renaissance while providing a template for defending suburban districts nationwide. His campaign demonstrates that voters respond to candidates who offer concrete solutions rather than abstract ideologies—a lesson that will prove invaluable as Republicans prepare for the 2026 midterm battles.
The globalist establishment desperately wants to obstruct Trump’s second-term agenda by chipping away at Republican House control. They understand that energy independence threatens their preferred model of American dependency on foreign resources and international bureaucracies. Van Epps represents the antithesis of their vision—an America that produces its own energy, manufactures its own goods, and charts its own course in the world.
Tennessee patriots have the opportunity to send a clear message that America’s energy future will be written by Americans, not foreign competitors or environmental extremists. Van Epps’ victory would not only preserve crucial House control but advance the energy dominance strategy that will secure American prosperity for generations to come. The choice couldn’t be clearer: American energy independence or continued dependency on the failed policies of the past.
