Tennessee's TN-07 Special Election: Why Knox County Democrats Should Care

Every once in a while, politics gives us an unexpected opening to change the narrative. That's exactly what's happening in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District, where a special election has created a rare opportunity for Democrats to win a seat months before the 2026 cycle even begins.

Now, if you live here in Knox County, you might be thinking: That's middle and west Tennessee. Why should I care?

Because representation in Congress affects every single Tennessean. The votes cast in TN-07 will influence healthcare, infrastructure funding, workers' rights, and the everyday cost of living—issues that ripple across the entire state.

Aftyn Behn, a Knoxville native and current state lawmaker, is taking on Trump-endorsed Republican Matt Van Epps. She's fought to keep rural hospitals open, eliminate the state's grocery tax, and shift power away from corporate special interests. In Congress, she'll fight to expand Medicaid, cap prescription drug prices, and invest in infrastructure that reaches every Tennessee community.

Special elections are notorious for low voter turnout—and that's exactly why this one is within reach. Knox County Democrats can be the deciding factor through volunteer shifts, phone banks, donations, and outreach.

In honor of President Jimmy Carter's birthday and his incredible legacy of service, Knoxville Democrats launched our first annual Jimmy Carter Month of Service this October.

From Fountain City to Farragut, South Knoxville to Karns, every district showed up. Knoxville Democrats dedicated hours of service to Adopt-A-Road cleanups and volunteering with local organizations like iJams, Planned Parenthood, Beardsley Farm, Knox Pride, Fish Pantries & more.

When federal funding disappears, local support becomes critical. These organizations need us year-round, not just for a month.

This is just the beginning. The real work starts now.

The federal government is about to shut down at midnight tonight. Republicans control Congress but need Democratic votes to keep it open. Talks have broken down over healthcare. Democrats won't support a spending bill that ignores the health insurance crisis facing millions of Americans.

If there’s one lesson to learn from the Truman Day dinner - which many have already described as the best, largest, and most energetic in many years - it’s that Knox County Democrats are confident in the future. Not just optimistic. Confident.