Is it possible to represent a city you once claimed to despise? Aftyn Behn, a 35-year-old Democrat vying for Congress in Tennessee’s 7th district, which includes Nashville, finds herself in hot water after old podcast comments resurfaced, revealing her disdain for the city’s culture and iconic attractions, as the Daily Mail reports.
This controversy centers on Behn’s campaign against Republican Matt Van Epps for a seat previously held by Mark Green, who stepped down unexpectedly earlier this year for a private sector role, amidst personal controversies of his own.
Back in February 2020, Behn didn’t mince words on the GRITS podcast, unleashing a tirade against Nashville’s identity. “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,” she declared. While her frustration might resonate with some locals tired of tourist traps, it’s a risky stance for someone seeking to be Nashville’s voice in Washington.
Those remarks, now widely circulated, have handed ammunition to her opponents. The Republican National Committee was quick to pounce, asking, “If Behn hates Tennessee so much, why is she trying to represent it?" It’s a fair question -- voters might wonder if Behn’s heart is truly in this fight for a district she once scorned.
Behn, sensing the political storm, released a video on Thursday to clarify her stance. She captioned it with a lighthearted denial of the narrative that she loathes Nashville, insisting her commitment to the city is unwavering.
In the video, she admitted to occasional irritation with bachelorette parties and pedal taverns but painted herself as a Nashville enthusiast, claiming emotional moments at the Country Music Hall of Fame. One can’t help but wonder if tears at a museum can erase years-old audio of outright contempt.
Behn also framed the controversy as a desperate Republican smear, suggesting the timing of the resurfaced clip is tied to her competitive standing in the race. While it’s true the GOP, including a Trump-aligned super PAC spending $15,000 on phone banking, is pulling out all stops, voters might still question whether this is just politics or a genuine reflection of her views.
The race itself, once considered a safe Republican stronghold with an R +10 rating by the Cook Political Report, has shifted to “lean Republican” in recent weeks. Significant Democratic gains earlier this month have funneled attention and funds to Behn’s campaign, even drawing a personal appearance from former Vice President Kamala Harris, who dubbed it a critical contest without naming Behn directly.
On the other side, Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind Van Epps via a tele-rally, signaling the high stakes for conservatives eager to hold the seat. With endorsements from groups like the NRA and Club for Growth PAC, Van Epps is positioned as a staunch defender of traditional values against Behn’s progressive backing from the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC and AFL-CIO.
Behn’s past doesn’t just stop at Nashville criticism -- she’s also labeled Tennessee a “racist state” and critiqued sororities as symbols of systemic issues. While these comments might energize her base, they risk alienating moderates in a district where Mark Green once won by over 20 points.
Her opponent, Van Epps, a former Tennessee General Services commissioner, brings a resume of public service that contrasts with Behn’s privately educated background at the pricey Webb School and the University of Texas at Austin. Conservatives might argue this disparity highlights a disconnect between Behn’s elite upbringing and the everyday struggles of district voters.
Mark Green’s sudden exit from Congress -- citing an irresistible private sector opportunity -- opened this unexpected battleground. His resignation, tinged with personal controversies, left a void that both candidates are scrambling to fill, each with their own vision for Nashville’s future.
As the race tightens, Behn’s campaign manager, Kate Briefs, has pushed back against GOP attacks, arguing they distract from Republican policies that hurt Tennessee families. While promises to lower costs by eliminating the state’s grocery tax sound appealing, they may not be enough to overshadow Behn’s own words from years past.
For conservatives, this race is about more than just a seat -- it’s a stand against what many see as a progressive agenda creeping into traditionally red territory. Van Epps offers a safe harbor for those wary of Behn’s past rhetoric and policy priorities. The question remains: Can Behn convince voters she’s truly one of them?
With Election Day looming, Nashville watches as two starkly different futures unfold. Behn’s challenge isn’t just to win votes but to rewrite a narrative her own voice helped create. For a city known for its harmony, this political discord hits a particularly sour note.
