Election Day has arrived in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, bringing with it a focus on Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn. As the campaign heats up, Behn has maintained her controversial stance on defunding the police. Surprisingly, even CNN host Kasie Hunt, not typically a supporter of Republican views, seems to struggle in coaxing a coherent response from Behn regarding her past advocacy.
Behn is now vying for a seat left open by former Rep. Mark Green, who resigned to pursue opportunities in the private sector after voting on significant legislation dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill.” Despite the district leaning heavily Republican—a territory Donald Trump won by more than 20 points—Democrats are pouring resources into the race, hoping the special election’s timing might play to their advantage.
However, Behn’s reputation seems to be holding her back. Dubbed “Tennessee’s AOC,” she exceeds even that comparison in her perceived ineptitude. Her comments on Nashville, the heart of her district, have raised eyebrows. Recordings surfaced of her expressing disdain for the city, prompting her to swiftly deny having made such remarks. As it turns out, her actions have only fueled speculation about her sincerity.
In recent weeks, videos have resurfaced showing Behn in what some might describe as a temperamental outburst, crying and screaming after being removed from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s office for disorderly conduct. Her dramatic reactions could make voters question her suitability for public office.
Moreover, Behn’s statements about family and societal structures have not gone unnoticed. She previously characterized marriage and child-rearing as outcomes of “deeply patriarchal structures,” which many find perplexing and potentially alienating to moderate voters. A clip of her recounting these thoughts has made the rounds on social media, further contributing to a broader narrative of her unconventional and unpredictable viewpoints.
As the campaign draws to a close, Behn’s past advocacy for defunding the police looms large over her candidacy. Viewers witnessed a rather evasive exchange with Hunt, who pressed her on whether increased funding for police would be beneficial in a district plagued by crime. Rather than answering directly, Behn responded, “I think it depends on what the community wants.” This type of answer may resonate with activists but does little to reassure constituents who want leadership that can clearly communicate public safety priorities.
In essence, Behn appears trapped in a delicate balancing act. On one side, her progressive roots urge her to align with community advocates for reform, yet the practicalities of governance demand clarity and decisiveness. With polls seemingly tightening, the time to clarify her position could not be more urgent. It is a fundamental question of leadership: can Behn effectively address the safety concerns of her constituents without alienating the progressive base that supports her?
As Election Day unfolds, Behn is left to navigate these complexities, but with each misstep, the doubts surrounding her capability to represent Tennessee’s 7th District grow. Voters will ultimately determine whether her perceived disconnection and avoidance of difficult questions make her the right choice come tomorrow.
"*" indicates required fields
