Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District Special Election, 2025
When Rep. Mark Green resigned on July 20, 2025, Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District quickly became one of the most closely-watched seats in the country. His resignation triggered a special election that will shape representation for large parts of Middle Tennessee. This includes parts of Davidson County, where Vanderbilt students will be heading to the polls.
The primary election is scheduled for October 7, and the general election will take place on December 2. With such a short timeline, the race is moving quickly and attracting attention for its crowded candidate field and its potential impact on the balance of power in Washington.
The District and its Relevance
The 7th District spans across Middle and West Tennessee, encompassing Williamson and Montgomery counties, as well as a portion of Davidson County. That means some Vanderbilt students, faculty, and staff who live in the district will have a direct say in who represents them in Congress. Nashville’s presence in the district gives it added weight, especially as local leaders step into the race.
The Democratic Field
Four Democrats are competing for the nomination. Aftyn Behn, a state representative from Nashville elected in 2023, is seen as part of a new wave of Democratic-leaning voices in Tennessee politics. Vincent Dixie, who has represented parts of north and northwest Davidson County since 2019, entered the race in July and could be the most visible link between Nashville and the broader district. As a sitting legislator from Davidson County, Dixie already represents neighborhoods in Nashville, giving him direct ties to the city that many of the district’s other candidates lack. Bo Mitchell, another state representative with more than a decade of experience, brings a longer record in the legislature. Rounding out the field is consultant Darden Copeland, who is positioning himself as an outsider. An article called “Businessman Joins 7th Congressional District Primary” by the Tennessee Bar Association describes Copeland as the “founder of Calvert Street Group, a Nashville public affairs firm specializing in referendums and land use campaigns” and emphasizes his non-legislative background.
The Republican Field
The Republican primary is even more crowded. State representatives Jody Barrett, Gino Bulso, and Lee Reeves are all in the running. They are accompanied by a mix of newcomers and activists, including Stuart Cooper, Mason Foley, Jason Knight, Joe Leurs, Stewart Parks, Matt Van Epps, and Tres Wittum. Given the district’s Republican-leaning history, the party’s nominee will be considered the favorite in December, but the competitive primary could shape the race in unexpected ways. Republican primary outcomes will be shaped by vote-splitting, local name recognition, or turnout differences between counties.
Independents and the General Election
Four independents, Terri Christie, Bobby Dodge, Robert James Sutherby, and Jon Thorp, have already qualified for the general election. While independents rarely win, their presence could shift the conversation and pull votes from either party in a close race.
Why Vanderbilt Should Pay Attention
With one of the largest populations, Davidson County is a key battleground where voters will play an instrumental role in this election. Vanderbilt students have a unique stake in this outcome; for political science majors, debate team members, or students interested in public service, this race offers a firsthand look at how campaigns operate and how national politics connect to local representation. Students who live on or near campus and are registered in the 7th District will have the opportunity to cast ballots that shape the district’s next representative in Washington. It is also a reminder that even in a Republican-leaning district, special elections can produce surprising results, especially if turnout is low. Turnout can matter more in special elections, where historically Democratic candidates have sometimes performed better than expected, despite right-leaning trends.
Looking Ahead
The next few months will be busy. Candidate debates, campaign stops, and voter registration drives will all be happening quickly as Dec. 2 approaches. Whether you lean left, right, or somewhere in between, the 7th District special election is an important reminder that Nashville’s voice matters in shaping Tennessee’s future in Congress.
How to Vote in the Special Election
Early voting for Primary: September 17-October 2, 2025
Primary Election: October 7, 2025
Early voting for General: November 12-November 26, 2025
General Election: December 2, 2025
For Vanderbilt students, this means checking your registration, knowing if your address falls within the 7th District, and making a plan to vote early or on Election Day.
