Tennessee Voters Head to Polls in Closely Watched Special Election
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee voters are casting ballots Tuesday in a special election to fill the vacant seat in the state’s 5th Congressional District, a contest viewed as an early indicator of political momentum heading into the 2024 election cycle. The race pits Republican Kurt Van Epps against Democrat Keeda Haynes, and has drawn national attention amid concerns about former President Trump’s approval ratings and economic dissatisfaction.
The election was triggered by the expulsion of former Representative Andy Ogles earlier this year. Democrats see a potential possibility to narrow the gap in a traditionally conservative district, signaling a shift in the political landscape. Republicans, though, remain confident in their ability to defend the seat.
Early voting began during Thanksgiving week, raising concerns about potential turnout challenges. Former President Trump held a virtual rally in November to support van Epps, a former state general services commissioner and Army helicopter pilot.
The campaign has been marked by sharp attacks. Republicans have highlighted past comments made by Haynes, including her self-description as a “radical,” claims of “bullying” immigration agents and state police officers, and past criticisms of Nashville, where she onc stated, “I hate this city.” Haynes has largely responded by focusing on cost of living issues and clarifying her vision for nashville as a place “where working people can thrive.”
Haynes, a self-proclaimed “pissed-off social worker,” has positioned herself as a contrast to Van Epps on key policy issues, condemning Trump’s tariffs and tax cut legislation, and criticizing Republicans’ initial reluctance to release files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Van Epps initially opposed a House vote to compel the Justice Department to disclose more Epstein documents,but later changed his position to align with President Trump after the president endorsed the measure.
Meanwhile, Democratic allies have attempted to siphon support from Van Epps by encouraging conservative voters to back autonomous candidate Jon Thorp, through mailers funded by Your Community PAC, which has spent over $16 million supporting Democratic candidates nationwide since last year.