In the lead-up to a crucial special election in Tennessee, voters are sharing their perspectives on President Trump’s performance, with many highlighting economic concerns such as the high cost of living as a key issue. The election for the state’s seventh congressional district on December 2, 2025, has become a focal point for national political attention, testing Trump’s influence beyond his own campaigns.
The special election has drawn significant resources from both parties, with Democratic figures like former Vice-President Kamala Harris campaigning in the district, while Republicans warn of external attempts to seize the seat. Voters in Tennessee express a range of opinions on Trump’s presidency, from steadfast support to criticism over economic policies. For instance, Julia Timson, a schoolteacher, remarked, ‘If he’s wrong, he’s wrong. But at the same time, I would say, I’m the champion in your corner,’ illustrating the complex loyalty among some constituents.
Economic affordability dominates the campaign discourse, with Trump recently rolling out measures like tariff cuts on food items and proposals for 50-year mortgages to address cost-of-living pressures. However, a Vanderbilt University poll revealed that more than 60% of Trump supporters disagree that the cost of living has decreased, pointing to persistent voter dissatisfaction. This sentiment is echoed on the ground, where issues like high prices and inflation are top concerns for many.
Democratic nominee Aftyn Behn has centered her campaign on affordability and local quality-of-life issues, using slogans such as ‘Feed kids, fix roads, fund hospitals’ to connect with voters. She aims to mobilize a ‘coalition of the disenchanted’ by focusing on economic struggles and Washington chaos. Her strategy contrasts with traditional Democratic approaches in conservative areas, emphasizing pocketbook issues over cultural debates.
On the Republican side, candidate Matt Van Epps, endorsed by Trump, has subtly distanced himself from the president in his campaign rhetoric, focusing instead on economic messages. Van Epps, an Army pilot, has stated that ‘the cost of living is too high; inflation is still too high,’ aligning with voter anxieties. His campaign highlights a shift among some Republicans to prioritize economic concerns amid Trump’s declining popularity in certain polls.
The election’s outcome could have broader implications for the Republican Party, as it grapples with internal divisions and the future beyond Trump. Recent events, such as Marjorie Taylor Greene’s resignation from Congress, underscore growing fissures. A Democratic victory in this Republican stronghold might prompt a reckoning within the GOP, forcing a reassessment of strategies and allegiances.
Looking forward, the December 2 election will serve as a barometer for Trump’s enduring appeal and the political climate heading into the 2026 midterms. Professor John Geer of Vanderbilt University noted that voters consistently desire change, which could benefit candidates like Behn. Regardless of the result, the race highlights evolving voter priorities and the challenges facing both parties in a polarized era.
