CNN data analyst Harry Enten said Republicans should be “running for the hills” after Tuesday’s special election in Tennessee’s 7th district.

Trump-backed Republican Matt Van Epps defeated Democrat Aftyn Behn by roughly nine points, a much smaller margin than in previous elections: The deep-red district went for Trump by 17, 15, and 22 points in 2016, 2020, and 2024, respectively.

“This is a thirteen-point gain for the Democrats, in terms of the margin, and excuse time for the Republicans is over,” Enten said on Wednesday’s CNN News Central.

The 37-year-old data guru adopted a mocking tone to needle hypothetical right-leaning pundits who might downplay the result of Tuesday’s election.

“I hear all about these special elections. ‘Oh, the turnout’s so low. It’s not representative of wh

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