Democratic House candidate Aftin Behn recently expressed her feelings about Nashville, the city she aims to represent, in a podcast from 2020 that gained attention just before the special election on December 2. “I hate this city, I hate single people, I hate pedal taverns, I hate country music, I hate everything that makes Nashville so obviously an ‘it’ city to the rest of the country,” Behn said during the podcast.
Behn, a Democratic state representative and former medical community organizer, is running against Republican candidate Matt Van Epps for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. This election is to fill the seat left vacant by former Republican Rep. Mark Green, who resigned in June to pursue a private sector job.
This district, located in west-central Tennessee, is predominantly Republican, with Trump having won it by 22 points in the 2024 presidential election. However, it does include Democratic strongholds, particularly in Nashville, which is the state’s capital and a significant hub for the country music scene. Areas like north and west Nashville, including downtown, remain popular tourist destinations.
The Republican National Committee (RNC) humorously commented about Behn’s campaign, suggesting her message is basically, “I hate this place, elect me!” Republican groups are heavily investing in the special election to maintain their narrow 219-214 majority in the House.
After their recent success in the election earlier this month, Democrats feel encouraged about their chances in this special election. Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin campaigned with Behn and expressed optimism about her prospects.
Behn is viewed as a promising progressive figure among Democrats, with some even likening her to “Tennessee’s AOC.” In response, Republicans are targeting her, highlighting a 2019 op-ed where she described Tennessee as a racist state. They questioned her intentions, asking why she would seek to represent a state she allegedly despises.
Behn’s campaign manager, Kate Briefs, accused Republicans of panicking. She argued that they are raising costs and undermining healthcare while Behn is focused on making life more affordable for Tennessee families by proposing to eliminate the state’s grocery tax.
Van Epps, who previously led the Tennessee Department of General Services, has secured Trump’s backing and won the Republican primary in a crowded field. Recently, Trump even hosted a teleconference with Van Epps, labeling Behn a “Marxist” and trying to associate her with other left-leaning figures.
The Van Epps campaign is now urging Trump to visit the district in person as the election approaches. Meanwhile, outside groups connected to the Republican Party are pouring millions into advertisements aimed at undermining Behn’s candidacy. One Democratic strategist noted that regardless of the election’s outcome, the substantial investment by Republicans indicates their concern over the tight race for this traditionally red district.
Tennessee Democrat faces scrutiny for previously made comments about hating Nashville
Democratic House candidate Aftin Behn recently expressed her feelings about Nashville, the city she aims to represent, in a podcast from 2020 that gained attention just before the special election on December 2. “I hate this city, I hate single people, I hate pedal taverns, I hate country music, I hate everything that makes Nashville so obviously an ‘it’ city to the rest of the country,” Behn said during the podcast.
Behn, a Democratic state representative and former medical community organizer, is running against Republican candidate Matt Van Epps for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. This election is to fill the seat left vacant by former Republican Rep. Mark Green, who resigned in June to pursue a private sector job.
This district, located in west-central Tennessee, is predominantly Republican, with Trump having won it by 22 points in the 2024 presidential election. However, it does include Democratic strongholds, particularly in Nashville, which is the state’s capital and a significant hub for the country music scene. Areas like north and west Nashville, including downtown, remain popular tourist destinations.
The Republican National Committee (RNC) humorously commented about Behn’s campaign, suggesting her message is basically, “I hate this place, elect me!” Republican groups are heavily investing in the special election to maintain their narrow 219-214 majority in the House.
After their recent success in the election earlier this month, Democrats feel encouraged about their chances in this special election. Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin campaigned with Behn and expressed optimism about her prospects.
Behn is viewed as a promising progressive figure among Democrats, with some even likening her to “Tennessee’s AOC.” In response, Republicans are targeting her, highlighting a 2019 op-ed where she described Tennessee as a racist state. They questioned her intentions, asking why she would seek to represent a state she allegedly despises.
Behn’s campaign manager, Kate Briefs, accused Republicans of panicking. She argued that they are raising costs and undermining healthcare while Behn is focused on making life more affordable for Tennessee families by proposing to eliminate the state’s grocery tax.
Van Epps, who previously led the Tennessee Department of General Services, has secured Trump’s backing and won the Republican primary in a crowded field. Recently, Trump even hosted a teleconference with Van Epps, labeling Behn a “Marxist” and trying to associate her with other left-leaning figures.
The Van Epps campaign is now urging Trump to visit the district in person as the election approaches. Meanwhile, outside groups connected to the Republican Party are pouring millions into advertisements aimed at undermining Behn’s candidacy. One Democratic strategist noted that regardless of the election’s outcome, the substantial investment by Republicans indicates their concern over the tight race for this traditionally red district.
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