FRANKLIN, Tenn. — A Tennessee congressional seat that President Donald Trump and Republicans have previously won with ease became the unlikely epicenter of the fight for Congress on Monday, as House Speaker Mike Johnson headlined rallies and former Vice President Al Gore and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez told Democrats they could be on the verge of a monumental upset.

Trump even called in twice during the day to tell voters to back Matt Van Epps, the Republican candidate, in Tuesday’s special election.

“The whole world is watching Tennessee right now, and they’re watching your district,” the president said after Johnson put him on speakerphone during an event inside a garage stocked with vintage cars on a supporters' sprawling farm in Franklin. “It’s a big vote and it’s gonna show someth

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