TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Julia Wilburn on Oct 2, 2025

Out-of-state PACs are pouring millions into Tennessee’s special congressional race in District 7, with most of the money spent attacking Rep. Jody Barrett, R-Dickson, for opposing school vouchers and a 2024 tax rebate plan. The School Freedom Fund, bankrolled solely by billionaire Jeff Yass, has spent over $500,000 against Barrett, though it hasn’t endorsed another candidate. Matt Van Epps, endorsed by retiring Republican Rep. Mark Green, has received more than $500,000 in outside PAC support. Much of that money can be traced to a PAC funded by the parents of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, WPLN reports. Other frontrunners, including Lee Reeves and state Rep. Gino Bulso, R-Brentwood, have relied heavily on personal loans to their campaigns, while on the Democratic side, Darden Copeland and Rep. Bo Mitchell of Nashville lead fundraising, with state Rep. Vincent Dixie, D-Nashville, receiving some support from an out-of-state PAC. Early voting ends today; the primary election is Oct. 7.