A past podcast appearance is stirring controversy in the final days before Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District special election. Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn, in a 2020 recording, delivered a blunt assessment of Nashville, the city she now seeks to represent: she openly declared her dislike for it.
Behn didn’t mince words, expressing her disdain for the city’s popular attractions – the bachelorette parties, the pedal taverns, even the country music scene that defines Nashville’s identity. Her statement, “I hate the city…I hate all of the things that make Nashville apparently an ‘it’ city,” has become a focal point as voters prepare to head to the polls.
The special election was triggered by the resignation of former Republican Congressman Mark Green, creating an unexpected opportunity for both parties. Behn, a state representative with a background in healthcare advocacy, is facing Republican nominee Matt Van Epps in a district traditionally considered a Republican stronghold.
Despite the district’s overall conservative lean – Donald Trump won it by a significant margin in recent elections – Nashville itself represents a crucial Democratic base. The city’s growing population and progressive values offer a potential path to victory for Behn, but her earlier comments are fueling Republican attacks.
Opponents are framing Behn’s remarks as evidence of a fundamental disconnect with the people she hopes to serve, questioning her commitment to representing a city she has publicly criticized. The narrative being pushed is that her candidacy is built on negativity and a rejection of Tennessee’s cultural identity.
This isn’t the first time Behn’s past statements have come under scrutiny. A 2019 op-ed in which she described Tennessee as a “racist state” is also being circulated by Republican groups, further intensifying the debate about her suitability for office.
The race has attracted significant attention and financial investment from both national parties. Republicans are determined to protect their slim majority in the House of Representatives, while Democrats, buoyed by recent electoral successes, see an opportunity for an upset victory.
The Van Epps campaign has received a boost from an endorsement by Donald Trump, who has actively campaigned for the nominee, even labeling Behn a “Marxist” and associating her with progressive figures from other states. Trump’s involvement underscores the high stakes of the election.
Outside groups aligned with both parties are pouring money into advertising, attempting to sway voters with sharply contrasting messages. The sheer volume of spending, particularly by Republican-aligned organizations, suggests a growing concern about the competitiveness of the race.
Even if Behn doesn’t win, some Democratic strategists view the election as a success. The fact that Republicans are spending heavily to defend a traditionally safe seat signals a shift in the political landscape and demonstrates the growing strength of the Democratic Party in Tennessee.
