The special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, scheduled for December 2, 2025, with primaries on October 7, promises to be a dynamic contest to replace Rep. Mark Green (R), who resigned on July 20, 2025, to pursue a private sector opportunity. The district, spanning 14 counties from Kentucky to Alabama and including parts of Democratic-leaning Nashville, has been a Republican stronghold, with Green securing victories by over 21 points in recent elections. However, the inclusion of Nashville’s Democratic voters adds intrigue, as this race could test the political climate under President Donald Trump’s second term. Below, we dive into the candidates vying for this seat, representing Republican, Democratic, and Independent affiliations, and explore what’s at stake in this pivotal election.

Republican Candidates: A Packed Primary

The Republican primary is crowded with 11 candidates, reflecting the district’s GOP dominance and the allure of an open congressional seat. Here’s a look at the contenders:

• Rep. Jody Barrett: A state representative from Dickson, Barrett brings legislative experience and local name recognition, positioning him as a strong contender in the GOP primary.
• Rep. Gino Bulso: Another state representative, Bulso’s campaign emphasizes conservative values and could appeal to voters aligned with Trump’s agenda.
• Stuart “Stu” Cooper: A lesser-known candidate, Cooper may focus on grassroots support to stand out in the crowded field.
• Adolph Agbeko Dagan: Dagan’s platform is less publicized, but his entry adds diversity to the Republican slate.
• Mason Foley: A health care industry businessman, Foley may emphasize economic and business-friendly policies to attract voters.
• Jason D. Knight: A Montgomery County Commissioner with a military background, Knight could resonate with the district’s Fort Campbell community.
• Joe Leurs: Limited information is available on Leurs, suggesting a potential underdog campaign reliant on local support.
• Stewart Parks: A real estate businessman pardoned by Trump for his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol events, Parks may draw attention from Trump loyalists but could face challenges with moderates.
• Rep. Lee Reeves: A state representative from Franklin, Reeves is a prominent candidate with a legislative track record and broad GOP appeal.
• Matt Van Epps: Endorsed by Mark Green, Van Epps, a former Tennessee Department of General Services Commissioner, carries significant establishment backing.
• Tres Wittum: Wittum’s campaign details are sparse, but his entry adds to the competitive GOP field.

The Republican primary is expected to be fiercely contested, with candidates like Reeves, Van Epps and Barrett likely leading due to their experience and endorsements. The district’s strong Republican lean, with Trump winning by 12 points in 2020, suggests the GOP nominee will be favored in the general election.

Democratic Candidates: Nashville’s Influence

Four Democratic state representatives are running, leveraging Nashville’s Democratic voter base to challenge the GOP’s hold: Three of the Four, Member of the Democratic Twenty Six Super Minority in the State House, must translate in wanting to leave Speaker Sexton’s Super Majority.

• State Rep. Aftyn Behn: Representing Nashville, Behn may appeal to progressive voters with a focus on social justice and urban issues.
• Darden Hunter Copeland: Copeland, less prominent in media, could target local Democratic networks to build momentum.
• Rep. Vincent Dixie: A Nashville representative, Dixie’s experience and name recognition make him a formidable candidate in the primary.
• Rep. Bo Mitchell: Also from Nashville, Mitchell’s campaign may emphasize practical governance and appeal to moderate Democrats.

The Democratic primary will likely hinge on mobilizing Nashville’s voters, as the district’s overall Republican tilt makes an upset challenging. In 2024, Green defeated his Democratic opponent by over 21 points, but a strong Democratic turnout could narrow the margin, especially if national sentiment shifts against Trump’s policies.

Independent Candidates: Adding Complexity

Four Independent candidates bring additional perspectives to the race, potentially influencing the outcome by splitting votes:

• Teresa “Terri” Christie: Christie’s platform is not widely detailed, but Independents often focus on local or bipartisan issues.
• Bobby Dodge: Dodge may appeal to voters disillusioned with both major parties, though specifics on his campaign are limited.
• Robert James Sutherby: Sutherby’s candidacy adds to the Independent field, but his impact will depend on visibility and messaging.
• Jonathan Thorp: An air ambulance pilot from Springfield, Thorp initially filed as a Republican but is running as an Independent, which could draw votes from conservative-leaning independents.

Independents face an uphill battle in Tennessee’s 7th District, but their presence could affect the general election’s dynamics, particularly if the race tightens.

What’s at Stake?

This special election is a litmus test for both parties. For Republicans, it’s an opportunity to solidify their narrow 220-212 House majority (as of July 2025) and demonstrate continued support for Trump’s agenda. The crowded GOP primary suggests internal competition to define the party’s direction, with candidates like Parks explicitly tying themselves to Trump, while others like Van Epps carry establishment support. For Democrats, the race tests their ability to capitalize on Nashville’s Democratic voters and national anti-Trump sentiment, though the district’s conservative lean poses a challenge. Independents could play a spoiler role, especially if voter turnout is low.

The election also reflects broader national trends. With two special elections already held in Florida’s 1st and 6th Districts in April 2025, both resulting in Republican holds, the outcome in Tennessee could signal whether Democrats can gain momentum in GOP strongholds. The district’s military presence, economic concerns, and Nashville’s urban influence will shape candidate strategies.

Conclusion

The Tennessee 7th Congressional District special election is shaping up to be a compelling contest, with a crowded Republican primary, a focused Democratic effort, and Independents adding unpredictability. As voters head to the polls on October 7 for the primaries and December 2 for the general election, the outcome will offer insights into the political landscape of 2025. Will the GOP maintain its grip, or can Democrats and Independents shake up the race? Stay tuned for what promises to be a closely watched election.

Sources: Information compiled from Ballotpedia, Wikipedia, and WBBJ TV reports on the 2025 Tennessee 7th Congressional District special election.