Republican Burchett on Tennessee special election: 'We got a real problem'

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: The Hill

12/03/25 5:51 PM ET


Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) said Republicans have “a real problem” after the party eked out a narrow victory in a ruby red Tennessee district in Tuesday’s special election.

“I’m always concerned, to be honest,” Burchett told CNN’s Manu Raju when asked about the race, which was more competitive than in recent years. “We got a real problem, and we better wake up,” Burchett added.

Republican candidate Matt Van Epps defeated Democrat Aftyn Behn by roughly 9 percentage points on Tuesday, in a district that includes part of Nashville and some rural parts of the state. The district voted overwhelmingly for President Trump in 2024, backing him over former Vice President Harris by more than 20 points.

The special election drew a flood of national attention and funds, including from a Trump-aligned super PAC and from high-profile politicians on both sides of the aisle. It was seen as a potential bellwether for next year’s elections, and the closer-than-expected outcome has raised alarm in the GOP that the race could be a bad omen for next year.

Read more: https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5632589-tim-burchett-tennessee-special-election-republicans/

[Trumpdumper]

1. The Hill needs editors

Sorry, but a 9-point victory is not “eking it out.” In fact, it’s just a point less than what in most politicalspeak is a “landslide.”

[BumRushDaShow]

2. In a district that voted 20+ points for 45, something that is in the "single digits" IS "eking out".

and this is especially for a "special election", where turnout can be hit or miss.

[Wiz Imp]

5. Only a total idiot would call a 10 point victory a landslide

[SergeStorms]

10. Wiz Imp........

I'd like to introduce you to Donald J. Trump. Your TOTAL idiot! 😁

[evolves]

8. It ABSOLUTELY is eking out a victory.

This district went for trump and blackburn by +22 points in 11/2024. Having a single-digit spread in a special election with low turnout (in a state with lowest voter turnout in the country) is huge.

[Vinca]

3. Bird shit, I mean Burchett, needs to go. Hope his district has a little blue in it.

[samnsara]

4. my daughter lived in this district for years and i visited often...

..........the N word was rampant....especially during the time Obama was in office.
One thing I did do to counter this ignorant cruelty was to support the Sumner County Democrats. I bought some really nice t-shirts from them. Its gotta be hard being a Dem down there.

[travelingthrulife]

6. Yes, Tim, the problem is you have no positive ethical system.

[turbinetree]

7. Ya THINK so TIM ............what was your clue................enabling a crime boss instead of defending the country

[modrepub]

9. Some Will Interpret This

as a harbinger of better things to come for the Midterms. While I wouldn't disagree, I'd counter that this proves staunch Republicans will never vote Democratic no matter how much crap their party heaves on them (outside extreme economic distress, which so far hasn't materialized).

Personally, I see this result as proof the MAGA cult will never abandon the Republican party. And the Republican party has demonstrated their total lack of respect or a willingness to work with anyone outside their sphere or tribe.