ANKARA

A traditionally Republican congressional seat in Tennessee is drawing intense attention from both parties ahead of Tuesday’s special election, with US President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson making a final push to boost GOP turnout, US media reported on Monday.

Trump called on voters twice on Monday to support Republican nominee Matt Van Epps, saying: “The whole world is watching Tennessee right now, and they’re watching your district,” according to the Huffpost.

Speaking during an event in Franklin, Trump claimed the results would show the Republican Party “is stronger than it’s ever been.”

Democrats, however, hope for a surprise win in the 7th Congressional District, which was redrawn in 2022 to dilute Nashville’s influence.

Trump and former GOP Republican Mark Green each won the district by about 21–22 points in 2020 and 2022.

Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn, a progressive state legislator from Nashville, joined a virtual rally with former Vice President Al Gore and Republican Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Gore called the election a turning point, saying: “I have never seen the political tides shift as far and as fast as we’re seeing them move in this election.”

Ocasio-Cortez added: “Anything can happen — including in Tennessee.”

The race has drawn significant spending. The House Majority PAC has invested $1 million to support Behn, while the pro-Trump MAGA Inc. super PAC has spent over $1 million backing Van Epps.

Speaker Johnson said the election is “for all the marbles,” warning that Democrats “think they can flip this seat from red to blue.”

Trump’s renewed attention comes after Republican losses in recent elections.

“We want to continue the Trump agenda in this district,” said one Van Epps supporter.

Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries predicted a tight finish.

“The fact that they are spending millions of dollars to hold a seat that Donald Trump just won by 22 points is extraordinary,” he said.