UPDATE: Democratic congressional candidate Aftyn Behn is facing intense scrutiny over past controversial remarks just days before the special election for Tennessee’s 7th district, scheduled for Tuesday, July 4, 2025. During a heated interview on CNN’s “Inside Politics Sunday,” Behn defended her previous alienating statements, claiming she was a “private citizen” at the time.
Behn’s comments, made on the “Year old GRITS” podcast in 2020, included strong criticisms of Nashville, where she expressed her disdain for the city’s nightlife and culture, labeling it as an “it” city for tourists. She also faced backlash for her tweets supporting the idea of “defunding the police” during the national protests following the death of George Floyd.
When pressed by host Manu Raju about her past statements, Behn stated, “Yeah, I said that during the George Floyd moment when the entire country was demanding accountability and safer policing.” She emphasized her belief that communities require investment in mental health and youth programs for safety, asserting, “I’m a lawmaker now. And so I wouldn’t post things like that now and haven’t, because I’ve definitely matured.”
Behn’s controversial remarks about Nashville included, “I hate the city, I hate the bachelorettes, I hate the pedal taverns,” which she later clarified, saying, “Do I roll my eyes at the bachelorette parties? Yeah, every Nashvillian does.” This statement has drawn criticism from constituents who feel her comments could alienate potential voters.
Moreover, Behn has previously labeled Tennessee as a “racist state” in a 2019 op-ed, stating, “Racism is in the air we breathe.” Her stark comments about racism in the state add another layer of complexity to her campaign as she seeks to represent the 7th district following the resignation of Republican Rep. Mark Green.
As the election approaches, Behn is pivoting her focus to urgent issues affecting families in Middle Tennessee, highlighting concerns over rising prices and affordability. “This race has always been about something bigger,” she said, positioning herself as a candidate who understands the struggles of her constituents.
Behn’s ability to navigate her past statements while addressing the immediate needs of voters will be crucial as she competes in this pivotal election. With the special election only days away, the stakes are high for Behn and her campaign.
As voters prepare to head to the polls on Tuesday, all eyes will be on Behn to see if her defense can sway opinions and ultimately secure her a seat in Congress.
