Kamala Harris Hits the Campaign Trail Again in Tennessee
Former Vice President Kamala Harris made her comeback to the campaign trail on Tuesday, marking her first public appearance since losing the presidential election in 2024. She joined Democratic candidate Aftin Behn for a surprise event aimed at supporting his bid for the Tennessee House.
According to reports, Harris headlined a kickoff event for Behn after visiting Fisk University, a historically black college in Nashville, followed by a book tour event for her memoir “107 Days”. This moment is notable as it’s her first campaign effort since her loss to President Donald Trump, and it comes at a time when Democrats are feeling encouraged by recent gubernatorial victories in Virginia and New Jersey.
However, Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District has been a tough nut to crack for Democrats, having not been won by any Democratic candidate in decades. Still, party leaders are throwing their weight behind Behn’s candidacy. “Kamala Harris must have fallen out of a palm tree if she thought Tennessee AOC had a chance. This is Trump country, and Republicans will win on December 2nd,” Republican National Committee Press Secretary Delaney Bomer remarked.
During her speech at Nashville’s Hadley Park, Harris emphasized the significance of the South in political power but notably refrained from mentioning Behn by name. She did encourage the audience to make their voices heard at the polls.
Earlier this month, Harris also returned to campaigning to support redistricting efforts in California, as Governor Gavin Newsom initiated a special election to counteract President Trump’s proposals for congressional map changes nationwide. A recent election saw Proposition 50 pass, potentially enhancing Democratic chances in several districts.
In Nashville, prominent progressive figures joined Behn’s campaign efforts. Last weekend, former Democratic National Committee vice chairman David Hogg rallied alongside Behn, calling the race critical for youth engagement, stating, “If young people come here and vote, we can flip this seat and send a clear message.” Hogg, known for his activism, encouraged young voters to support Behn’s run.
Behn, who identifies as a “post-social worker,” decided to pursue Congress after opposing legislation deemed unfavorable for constituents. He has described the recent large-scale bill that included tax cuts as a significant wealth transfer to the wealthy.
While Behn is positioned as a fresh progressive voice, his opponent, Matt Van Epps, is a former head of the Tennessee Department of General Services. Van Epps recently secured the Republican nomination after facing numerous challengers. His campaign has garnered endorsements from high-profile figures, including Governor Bill Lee and Trump, who held a rally that emphasized his backing for Van Epps.
As the campaigns heat up, both parties are mobilizing significant resources, including investments from the Republican National Committee and political action groups aimed at securing this critical seat.
Overall, with Harris’s return to the campaign scene and heightened political activity in Tennessee, both sides are bracing themselves for what will likely be a highly competitive race ahead.
