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Tennessee Congressional Candidate Stands by Controversial Anti-Police and Anti-Nashville Comments Ahead of Election
Aftyn Behn, a Democratic state representative vying for a U.S. House seat in Tennessee’s upcoming special election, has decided not to distance herself from her past remarks deemed anti-police and critical of Nashville. During a CNN interview on Sunday, she faced scrutiny about her previous social media statements made during the nationwide protests following George Floyd’s death in 2020.
In a conversation with “Inside Politics” host Manu Raju, Behn was asked to clarify her position regarding social media posts where she appeared to endorse extreme actions against law enforcement. The posts included references to burning police stations and echoed calls to defund the police. Raju also inquired if Behn supported abolishing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE, or if she regretted a resurfaced clip in which she expressed her disdain for Nashville.
Raju highlighted specific past tweets to Behn, mentioning a post that read, ‘Good morning, especially to the 54% of Americans that believe burning down a police station is justified.’ He asked whether she regretted making those comments.
Behn responded by asserting that at the time of posting, she operated as a private citizen and was contributing to a national call for accountability and safer policing measures. “What I’ve always believed is that communities need investment, to be safe,” she clarified, stating that her past remarks did not reflect her current views as a public official.
Controversial Comments Resurface
Raju pressed further regarding a podcast from 2020, where Behn harshly criticized Nashville, the city she is campaigning to represent. The comments resurfaced recently, adding to the scrutiny surrounding her candidacy.
In the podcast recording, Behn expressed strong negative feelings towards the city’s culture, saying, “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 apparently an ‘it’ city to the rest of the country. But I hate it.”
When asked if she regretted these comments, Behn declined to retract her statements, reiterating her past status as a private citizen. “Nashville is my home,” she asserted. “Do I roll my eyes at the bachelorette parties and the pedal taverns that are blocking my access to my house? Yeah, every Nashvillean does.”
Campaign Focus and Community Concerns
While addressing her controversial remarks, Behn redirected the conversation to broader issues impacting families across middle Tennessee. She emphasized the significant economic challenges that constituents face, stating that the election should focus on real concerns rather than her social media history. “This race has always been about something bigger, about families across middle Tennessee that are getting crushed by rising prices while Washington politicians and billionaires argue about this type of nonsense,” she mentioned.
The 7th Congressional District, which covers a significant portion of central and western Tennessee, has traditionally leaned Republican. Former President Donald Trump secured the district by approximately 22 points in the 2020 election, indicating the challenges Behn faces as a Democratic candidate.
Despite being in a Republican stronghold, parts of the district include more liberal-leaning areas around Nashville, Tennessee’s capital and an important center for country music and tourism.
Staying on Message Amid Challenges
During the interview, Behn also sidestepped taking a definitive stance on other contentious issues, such as whether ICE should be abolished or if immigration enforcement raids in Nashville should cease. Raju noted Behn’s increasing notoriety, dubbing her the “AOC of Tennessee,” a reference to her association with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has advocated for similar policies.
Once again, Behn avoided the question, opting to emphasize her campaign’s focus on addressing the needs of working families. “We need to lower costs,” she stated, illustrating a commitment to shift the discussion away from her past comments.
Behn faced further pressure during her recent interviews, including contentious exchanges that highlighted the divided opinions regarding her statements and their implications for her political future.
A Race to Watch Leading Up to Election Day
As the special election date approaches, Behn’s ability to navigate her controversial past while effectively communicating her current positions will be instrumental. Her candidacy reflects a microcosm of the broader national debates about policing, immigration, and community values.
As she continues her campaign, Tennessee voters will be assessing not just her proposals but also how her previous statements align with their values and concerns. The outcome of this election may serve as a significant indicator of shifting political dynamics within the state.
Fox News’ Alec Schemmel and Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.
