Former President Donald Trump is calling on voters in Tennessee to reject the Democratic candidate in a special congressional election, claiming she “hates Christianity.” The race, which could slightly shift the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives, is drawing national attention as polling shows a dead heat between Republican Matt Van Epps and Democrat Aftyn Behn.

During a campaign stop in Franklin, Tennessee, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson joined Van Epps, where Trump phoned in to speak with supporters. “The whole world is watching,” Trump said over the loudspeaker, urging voters to turn out for Van Epps in the state’s 7th Congressional District. “We need to send a message and keep Tennessee red.”

Trump doubled down on Truth Social, encouraging residents to reject Behn, whom he accused of holding anti-Christian views. “She’s a woman who hates Christianity, will take away your guns, wants Open Borders, Transgender for everybody, men in women’s sports, and openly disdains Country music,” Trump wrote. “She said all of these things precisely, and without question — IT’S ON TAPE!”

Trump’s remarks appear to refer to a 2024 podcast clip circulating online, in which Behn expressed discomfort with the heavy role of religion in Tennessee politics. “As someone who is more secular, I have a hard time when religion is at the core of everything we do in the legislature,” Behn said during an appearance on the “Red State Blue Mom” podcast. “On the House floor, we say a prayer every session. Some committees open up with prayer. Some Christian pastors have a lot of say and proximity to power in the legislature, and it is uncomfortable.”

Republicans have since used the comments to paint Behn as hostile toward faith. Her campaign has not responded publicly to Trump’s latest comments, though she has pushed back against previous claims that she dislikes Nashville or country music, following the resurfacing of another podcast clip from 2020.

In that earlier recording, Behn said, “I’ve been heavily involved with the Nashville mayoral race because I hate this city, I hate the bachelorettes, I hate the pedal taverns, I hate country music.” The remarks, originally made in jest according to Behn, drew sharp criticism across Tennessee’s music-loving electorate.

Addressing the controversy in a video posted to X last month, Behn clarified that her comments were taken out of context. “I always want Nashville to be better,” she said. “You’re talking to someone who has cried no less than 10 times in the Country Music Hall of Fame. But sure, I get mad at the pedal taverns sometimes.” She added that her campaign is focused on “making life better for working people” rather than online distractions.

The tight race has garnered national attention due to its potential impact on the House majority. According to an Emerson College poll released last week, 48% of likely voters back Van Epps, while 46% support Behn. The 7th District overwhelmingly supported Trump in the 2024 presidential election by a 22-point margin, suggesting that Democrats are making significant inroads in the region.

If Behn wins, Democrats would gain a seat in the narrowly divided U.S. House, reducing the Republican majority from 220–215 to 220–216. The winner will complete the remainder of former Rep. Mark Green’s term before the district votes again in next year’s midterms.

As voters head to the polls, Trump’s latest comments reflect a familiar theme of faith and values driving voter motivation in conservative regions. “We’re fighting for our way of life,” Trump told the crowd. “They don’t share our faith, our values, or our love for America.”

** As this article went to publishing, Republican Matt Van Epps won the Tennessee special election, averting Democratic upset. **