With early voting beginning this week, both Democrat Aftyn Behn and Republican Matt Van Epps are pushing out new video ads aimed at convincing voters to select them in the seventh district special election for Congress. Both are also trying to nudge up turnout at a time that voters are focused on Thanksgiving, Black Friday shopping, and Christmas decorating. Election Day falls on December 2. President Donald Trump reiterated his endorsement of Van Epps last week, along with endorsements of other Republicans across Tennessee. 

Van Epps’ first general election ad targeted Behn’s harassment and interference with law-enforcement.

His new ad emphasizes his own military record and determination to address the high cost voters are facing at the grocery stores and in paying healthcare bills. The ad features Van Epps talking directly to the camera.

“I didn’t risk my life for this country just to watch career politicians wreck it.”

Voice over: Matt Van Epps. Nine combat tours. True American hero.

“Now I’m on a new mission. To bring down prices. Create good paying jobs. And lower healthcare costs for working families.”

“I’m Matt Van Epps, and I approved this message to fight for America. Because that’s what I’ve done my whole life.”

Voice over: Matt Van Epps for Congress.

For her part, Behn’s ad is more targeted at Washington D.C. politicians and the chaos in the Capitol as the government shutdown continues. The ad features images of a mechanical bull throwing politicians off its back while she recites many of the same complaints that Democrats have regularly thrown at Trump and Republicans in Washington over the past nine months.

“I’m Aftyn Behn. We all know the system is rigged in Washington. Here’s how it works. Politicians make it easy for their rich donors. Tax cuts for billionaires and burying the Epstein files while hard-working Tennessee and get a rough ride by cutting healthcare for Tennessee families, doubling health, insurance premiums, and tariffs that hurt our economy.

I’m Aftyn Behn and I approve this message. Vote early to shake up Washington.”

Behn had planned a townhall meeting in Nashville featuring an appearance by far Left Democrat congresswoman Jasmine Crockett. But air traffic delays from storms and the government shutdown kept Crockett grounded and the event became a video appearance.

New ads are expected from both campaigns as early voting begins. There have been no public polling results released regarding this special election.

Steve Gill is the editor and publisher of TriStar Daily.