Republican Matt Van Epps Wins Tennessee House Special Election

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) announced that she secured a provision in the annual defense bill mandating congressional notification of counterintelligence investigations into federal candidates following a conversation with President Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson. This development highlights her influence within the party and her proactive approach to legislative matters.

Republican Matt Van Epps secured a victory in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District special election, winning by a margin of 52% to 46% against Democrat Aftyn Behn. This election, held on December 2, 2025, was closely watched due to its implications for both parties ahead of the midterms. Van Epps' win, although significant, was less decisive than the 20-point margin achieved by President Trump in the previous election.

Cracks have emerged in the Maga coalition as Donald Trump's influence appears to be waning, with his approval ratings dropping and signs of discontent among his supporters. This shift follows a series of scandals, including the Epstein affair, which have alienated key segments of his base. The Republican party is grappling with internal fractures as it heads into future elections.

The draw for the 2026 men's football World Cup will take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., featuring performances by Robbie Williams, Andrea Bocelli, and the Village People, with the latter expected to perform their iconic song YMCA. The event is co-hosted by Heidi Klum, Kevin Hart, and Danny Ramirez, and is set for December 5, 2025.

President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are facing bipartisan scrutiny following a military strike in September that resulted in the deaths of survivors from an initial attack on a drug boat in Venezuela. Hegseth stated he was unaware of the second strike, which occurred after he left a meeting, leading to questions about the decision-making process within the administration.

Democrats are pushing to restrict the qualifications for immigration judges as the administration faces layoffs, highlighting concerns over the judicial system's integrity and efficiency. Concurrently, Republican Matt Van Epps has narrowly won a special House election in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District, defeating Democrat Aftyn Behn by a margin of 52% to 46%.

House Republicans retained control of Tennessee's 7th Congressional District as Matt Van Epps secured a victory over Democrat Aftyn Behn in a closely watched special election held on December 2, 2025, winning by a margin of 52% to 46%.

U.S. and Russian officials described recent peace talks as 'constructive,' although no specific agreements were reached, highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts amidst tensions. Lawmakers are also seeking clarity regarding a recent deadly U.S. boat strike, which has raised questions about military engagement protocols. Meanwhile, Republicans successfully retained a House seat in Tennessee during a special election.