URGENT UPDATE: Democratic congressional candidate Aftyn Behn is under fire for past controversial remarks as she campaigns for Tennessee’s 7th district, with a special election looming on July 4, 2025. Behn faced tough questions on CNN’s “Inside Politics Sunday,” where she was confronted about her previous statements that have sparked backlash.
During the interview, host Manu Raju pressed Behn on her 2020 comments made as a private citizen, where she expressed disdain for Nashville, including its vibrant nightlife and cultural scene. “I hate the city, I hate the bachelorettes, I hate the pedal taverns,” she stated on the “Year old GRITS” podcast, which has since resurfaced in light of her candidacy.
When questioned about her past tweets supporting police reform amidst the nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd, Behn acknowledged her previous statements but emphasized her growth since then. “I was a private citizen back then, and now I’m a lawmaker,” she asserted.
Behn’s remarks included a now-deleted tweet stating, “good morning, especially to the 54% of Americans that believe burning down a police station is justified.” Responding to Raju, she noted, “What I’ve always believed is that communities need investment,” highlighting her focus on public safety and mental health initiatives rather than simply defunding law enforcement.
In a stark admission, Behn labeled Tennessee as a “racist state” in a 2019 op-ed for the Tennessean, stating, “Racism is in the air we breathe,” referring to systemic issues she believes are pervasive in the state’s legislative actions.
With the special election just days away, Behn is competing for the seat vacated by Republican Mark Green, who resigned on July 4, 2025. Her campaign emphasizes addressing rising costs and providing support for working families in Middle Tennessee, a message she believes resonates with her constituents.
As the election approaches, all eyes are on Behn as she attempts to navigate her past while advocating for a future focused on community investment and safety. Voters are urged to consider her evolving views and what they mean for Tennessee’s political landscape.
Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.
