As Tennessee's 7th Congressional District gears up for a special election, Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn finds herself embroiled in controversy following the emergence of a recording in which she disparages Nashville, a city she currently represents in the state legislature.
This city would also fall under her purview if she were to secure a seat in Congress.
The election, slated for December 2, comes in the wake of Republican Rep. Mark Green's resignation in July, as he transitioned to a role in the private sector. Voters are presented with a choice between Matt Van Epps, the Republican contender and a veteran of the Tennessee National Guard with experience as the commissioner of the Department of General Services, and Behn, a Democratic state representative with a background in community organizing.
According to The Post Millennial, the contentious video captures Behn expressing her disdain for Nashville, stating, 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 an 'it city' to the rest of the country. I hate it.
The timing and location of the recording remain undisclosed, and Behn's campaign has yet to offer any clarification.
The remarks have sparked backlash from local officials and residents, particularly as Nashville stands as a significant population hub within the district and holds considerable influence across Tennessee. The city's vibrant tourism industry, which includes the pedal taverns and bachelorette parties Behn criticized, contributes billions of dollars to the regional economy each year. In a recent campaign ad, Behn was seen speaking in front of a mechanical bull, accompanied by a country music soundtrack, seemingly at odds with her recorded sentiments.
This is not the first time Behn has faced scrutiny. Earlier in 2024, she drew criticism after posting a video on social media in which she boasted about "bullying" ICE agents and Tennessee Highway Patrol officers to disrupt an immigration enforcement operation in Madison, Tennessee. "This is great! We got our girl squad, and we're bullying the ICE vehicles and state troopers," Behn declared in the video.
As the election approaches, Behn's controversial statements and actions may weigh heavily on voters' minds, potentially influencing the outcome in a district where traditional values and economic interests are paramount.
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