Behn’s Controversial Remarks Resurface Ahead of Special Election
Aftin Behn, the Democratic House candidate, recently stirred up discussions with her candid comments about Nashville, where she’s running for office. These remarks came from a 2020 podcast that re-emerged just days before the special election set for December 2.
On the podcast, Behn expressed strong disdain for the city, stating, “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. But I hate it.” Her rhetoric has drawn attention as she seeks to represent Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District.
Currently a state representative and former organizer in the medical community, Behn is competing against Republican Matt Van Epps. This election follows the resignation of previous Republican Rep. Mark Green, who left Congress earlier this year for a private sector role.
The district, located in west-central Tennessee and stretching from Kentucky to Alabama, is predominantly Republican. In fact, President Trump won this area by a significant margin of 22 points in the 2024 presidential election.
Despite its red reputation, parts of the district encompass Nashville, Tennessee’s capital and the hub of its country music scene, which is home to many Democratic voters.
The Republican National Committee (RNC) took to social media to criticize Behn, contending that her campaign message could be summarized as, “I hate this place, elect me!” They argued that Tennessee deserves better leadership.
In anticipation of a possible upset, Republican groups are heavily funding campaigns to maintain their slender 219-214 majority in the House of Representatives. Meanwhile, Democrats are feeling optimistic following their recent electoral success, believing Behn has a good chance to win the special election.
Behn has gained attention within her party as a progressive voice, with some even dubbing her “Tennessee’s AOC.” Yet Republicans are hitting back, referencing an op-ed she wrote in 2019 that labeled Tennessee a racist state and questioned her commitment to representing the state.
Her campaign manager, Kate Briefs, commented on the situation, suggesting that Republicans are in a state of panic and are targeting her with negative campaign tactics rather than addressing pressing issues like healthcare and the grocery tax.
Van Epps, who is gaining support from Trump, won the Republican primary after a competitive race. Last week, Trump engaged in a teleconference with him, disparaging Behn as a “Marxist” and associating her with a newly elected socialist mayor in New York, a move designed to taint the Democratic image.
Now, the Van Epps campaign has called on Trump to visit the district as they ramp up their efforts ahead of the election. Simultaneously, outside Republican groups are investing heavily in advertisements that target Behn.
As recently reported, a Trump-aligned super PAC has launched a major ad campaign aimed at backing the Republican candidate, spending millions in the process. One Democratic strategist observed that the significant financial commitment from Republicans indicates their concern over the competitiveness of this district, regardless of the eventual outcome of the election.
