Is the GOP’s grip on the House finally getting a breather?
According to Fox News, Republican Rep.-elect Matt Van Epps of Tennessee took the oath of office on Dec. 4, 2025, pushing the GOP to 220 seats against 213 Democrats, though an upcoming resignation threatens to trim that narrow lead.
Let’s rewind a bit: Van Epps secured victory in a special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District just 48 hours prior, on Dec. 2, 2025. This seat, previously held by former Rep. Mark Green, who stepped down in June for a private sector role, was a critical hold for Republicans.
He bested Democratic contender Aftyn Behn by about 9 percentage points, no small feat given the holiday season timing that often dampens voter turnout. High participation in this race, fueled by millions in spending from both national Republican and Democratic groups, shows just how much was at stake.
Democrats, riding high after recent electoral wins, had set their sights on flipping this district, which stretches across central and western Tennessee from Kentucky to Alabama, including parts of Nashville. Yet, with President Trump carrying the area by 22 points in last year’s presidential contest, and Green dominating by over 20 points in prior elections, the conservative stronghold held firm.
Van Epps was officially sworn in on the House floor by Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., marking a momentary boost to the Republican tally. But let’s not pop the champagne just yet—every seat is a battle in this tight congressional chess game.
“We cannot take anything for granted. Every seat counts,” Speaker Johnson emphasized, reflecting on the historically slim majorities he’s navigated. His words ring true—complacency in so-called safe districts is a luxury the GOP can’t afford, especially in special elections where surprises lurk.
Looking ahead, the Republican count of 220 will slip back to 219 early next month with the resignation of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who’s had a public rift with Trump. That drop reminds us how fragile this majority truly is.
On the Democratic side, their 213 seats are also in flux with two vacancies—one from the passing of Rep. Sylvester Turner of Texas in March, with a special election set for Jan. 31, 2026, and another from former Rep. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey, who resigned after winning her state’s gubernatorial race, with a replacement vote slated for April 2026.
These empty seats on both sides highlight a broader point: the House balance of power is a moving target, and every election, special or not, carries weight. For conservatives, holding ground against a resurgent Democratic push is non-negotiable.
Van Epps, for his part, seems ready to align with the GOP’s priorities, pledging to “work every day with President Trump” and fellow House members to advance an America First vision. That commitment could rally the base, though delivering on big promises in a divided Congress is easier said than done.
The Tennessee win was deemed a must-hold for Republicans eyeing the upcoming midterm elections, where defending their edge will test party strategy. Losing ground isn’t an option when the margins are this razor-thin.
Special elections like this one often get overlooked by the casual observer, but they’re a proving ground for party strength. As Johnson noted, nothing is guaranteed, even in deeply conservative districts.
So, while Van Epps’ victory offers a brief sigh of relief for the GOP, the road ahead remains bumpy with Greene’s exit on the horizon. Every vote, every seat, every moment counts in this high-stakes political arena. For now, Republicans can savor a small but significant win in Tennessee, knowing full well the fight for control is far from over. Will they build on this momentum, or will the narrow gap shrink further? Only time will tell.