New Delhi, Dec. 3 -- Voters in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District go to the polls in a special election that could signal much more than who occupies the vacant House seat: it may offer an early barometer of public sentiment ahead of 2026. With Republicans hoping to stem a tide of recent losses, the race between Matt Van Epps (R) and Aftyn Behn (D) has emerged as unexpectedly competitive - and closely watched nationwide.

Tennessee's 7th Congressional District - a long-standing Republican stronghold - faces an unexpectedly competitive special election tonight, in a race viewed nationally as an early indicator of voter sentiment heading into the 2026 midterms.

Although Republican nominee Matt Van Epps remains the favourite, Democratic...