Democratic congressional candidate Aftyn Behn of Tennessee faced scrutiny on Sunday for past comments that many deem alienating. While appearing on CNN’s “Inside Politics Sunday,” she defended her earlier statements, asserting that she was a “private citizen” when she made them. This clarification comes as she campaigns for Tennessee’s 7th district seat, which will be contested in a special election on July 4, 2025, following the resignation of Republican Representative Mark Green.
In 2020, Behn made headlines during her appearance on the “Year old GRITS” podcast by expressing her disdain for various elements that characterize Nashville, including its nightlife and country music scene. She also attracted attention for her social media posts during the protests that followed the death of George Floyd, where she indicated support for the notion of “defunding the police.”
During the CNN interview, host Manu Raju pressed Behn on whether she regretted these statements. He referenced a now-deleted tweet in which she stated, “good morning, especially to the 54% of Americans that believe burning down a police station is justified.” Behn responded, citing the context of her remarks, which were made amid a nationwide call for accountability in policing.
“I said that during the George Floyd moment when the entire country was demanding accountability and safer policing,” Behn explained. “What I’ve always believed is that communities need investment — they need investment to be safe.” She emphasized her focus on critical issues such as public safety and affordability for her constituents.
When Raju pressed further about her comments regarding Nashville, Behn reiterated her frustrations with aspects of the city that she feels obstruct her daily life. “I hate the city, I hate the bachelorettes, I hate the pedal taverns, I hate country music, I hate all of the things that make Nashville apparently an ‘it’ city to the rest of the country,” she had previously stated on the podcast.
In her defense during the interview, Behn reiterated, “Once again, I was a private citizen. Nashville is my home. Do I roll my eyes at the bachelorette parties and the pedal taverns that are blocking my access to my house? Yeah, every Nashvillian does.” She maintained that her campaign is focused on more pressing issues impacting families across Middle Tennessee, particularly rising living costs.
Behn’s controversial remarks extend beyond Nashville’s nightlife. In a 2019 op-ed for the Tennessean, she described Tennessee as a “racist state,” citing systemic issues within the state’s legislation that adversely affect marginalized communities. “Racism is in the air we breathe, permeating the State Capitol, codified in the legislation being passed at the detriment of women, communities of color, and the working poor,” she wrote.
As the special election approaches, Behn’s comments and their potential impact on her candidacy will likely remain a focal point of discussion among voters and analysts alike. Her ability to navigate these controversial statements may play a critical role in her campaign strategy as she seeks to represent Tennessee’s 7th district effectively.
