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Darden Copeland wins TN-7 Democratic primary for general

Nashville Banner · August 7, 2026

Listen to Banner reporters discuss the Aug. 6 primary election results.

About a year later than he originally hoped and with a redrawn district, Nashville businessman Darden Copeland will compete against first-term Congressman Matt Van Epps to represent Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, after winning Thursday’s Democratic primary.

Copeland had 40 percent of the vote counted as of late Thursday night, beating two-time Democratic competitor and state Rep. Vincent Dixie (D-Nashville), who was roughly 15 points behind. Saletta Holloway was just behind Dizie with Joshua Warren Sales a distant fourth.

Copeland and Dixie also ran against each other in last year’s Democratic primary when the seat vacated by former Congressman Mark Green went to Army veteran and now rookie Republican congressman Van Epps in a heated special election.

Copeland and Dixie lost to state Rep. Aftyn Behn (D-Nashville) last year, but Behn declined to run again after the December special election.

Copeland’s camp…