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A Democratic candidate vying for a Congressional seat to represent Nashville has found herself in hot water after past remarks expressing disdain for the city resurfaced, sparking controversy. Aftyn Behn, 35, had previously gone viral for her candid criticism of Nashville, declaring her dislike for its tourists and country music scene.
In a resurfaced clip from a February 2020 episode of the GRITS podcast, Behn can be heard 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. I hate it.” Her blunt comments have drawn significant attention as she campaigns for office.
Attempting to counter the backlash, Behn recently shared personal anecdotes to assert her connection to Nashville, claiming she has “cried no less than ten times” during visits to the Country Music Hall of Fame. She also mentioned her fondness for the iconic Ryman Auditorium, stating she frequents it “just to hang out.”
With the caption ‘BREAKING: I DO NOT HATE NASHVILLE LOL,’ Behn posted a nearly two-minute video trying to explain herself Thursday evening, decrying the ‘national GOP’s new attack’ against her as just ‘wild rumors.’
Despite her previous criticisms, Behn expressed her desire for Nashville to improve, aiming to create an environment where its residents can thrive. However, she acknowledged that the city’s image as a hotspot for bachelorette parties and honky-tonk bars continues to frustrate her.
Behn did say that she always wants ‘Nashville to better so people can thrive’ and admitted that the city’s reputation as a hub for bachelorette parties and honky-tonk venues bugs her.
‘Sure, I get mad at the bachelorettes sometimes, I get mad at the pedal taverns,’ she said in the video.
The Democrat claimed these comments surfaced because she is ‘close to winning.’
Aftyn Behn, 35, is defending her longshot Congressional bid after resurfaced comments that she ‘hates’ the city went viral
‘The Republican eye of Sauron has finally shifted toward moi,’ she said, referencing Lord of the Rings.
‘Today, the Republicans decided that they’re gonna’ start this narrative that me, the state representative that represents downtown Nashville, doesn’t like the city.’
Behn ended the clip by saying that she’s ‘not going to take the bait’ and will continue campaigning to try and beat Republican Matt Van Epps.
However, on the podcast from just five years ago, Behn makes her thoughts about the city’s culture clear.
She has also previously called sororities ‘a staple of white supremacy,’ and branded the whole of Tennessee a ‘racist state.‘
Behn was privately educated at the $27,000-per-year Webb School in Knoxville and went on to study at the University of Texas at Austin.
Republicans seized on the damning audio, arguing that it is absurd for Behn to try and represent a place she admitted she hates.
‘If Behn hates Tennessee so much, why is she trying to represent it?’ the Republican National Committee (RNC) posted on Thursday.
Behn’s campaign manager Kate Briefs claimed the GOP is clutching at straws.
With the caption ‘BREAKING: I DO NOT HATE NASHVILLE LOL,’ Behn posted a nearly two-minute video trying to explain herself Thursday evening, decrying the ‘national GOP ‘s new attack’ against her as just ‘wild rumors’
She tried to prove her Nashville cred by admitting she ‘cried no less than ten times in the Country Music Hall of Fame’ (pictured) and visits the city’s famous Ryman Auditorium ‘just to hang out’
‘Republicans are panicking and in a last ditched attempt, they are distracting from the fact that Washington Republicans … are raising costs on Tennessee families and ripping away their health care,’ Briefs said in a statement.
‘Aftyn Behn will lower Tennessee families’ costs and make groceries more affordable by eliminating the state’s grocery tax.’
But Behn is in an uphill battle against Republican Matt Van Epps, a former Tennessee General Services commissioner.
They are running to fill the state’s 7th congressional seat, formerly occupied by Republican Mark Green, who resigned earlier this summer to take a job in the private sector.
The seat is rated R +10 by the Cook Political Report, despite Green’s prior win being by over 20 points.
The race has also shifted slightly toward Democrats, going from ‘solid Republican’ to ‘lean Republican’ last week.
Trump-aligned super PAC MAGA Inc. jumped into the race as well last week, with a small expenditure of $15,000 for phone banking.
Significant Democratic electoral victories earlier this month have drawn substantial media attention and money to the race in the last few weeks.
Seventh Congressional District candidate Matt Van Epps, who is running against Behn, is seen at a political forum in Dickson, Tennessee, in September
Behn is in an uphill battle against Van Epps, a former Tennessee General Services commissioner
Former vice president and failed 2024 presidential candidate Kamala Harris hit the campaign trail in person to boost Behn earlier this week, calling her race ‘the most competitive race in America.’
However, she did not mention the candidate by name or appear alongside her.
Donald Trump, meanwhile, supported Van Epps via a tele-rally last week, calling him a ‘true America First patriot who has dedicated his entire life to serving our country.’
Behn has been endorsed by groups such as the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC, AFL-CIO, and the Working Families Party.
At the same time, Van Epps is supported by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the Club for Growth PAC and the National Rifle Association (NRA).
Green’s sudden departure from Congress came as a surprise.
‘It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from Congress,’ he said in a statement at the time.
‘Recently, I was offered an opportunity in the private sector that was too exciting to pass up,’ Green added.
Green called it ‘an honor of a lifetime’ to serve in Congress, he also touted many of his achievements as committee chairman.
He also addressed his previous retirement announcement and subsequent reversal.
‘Though I planned to retire at the end of the previous Congress, I stayed to ensure that President Trump’s border security measures and priorities make it through Congress,’ he wrote.
‘By overseeing the border security portion of the reconciliation package, I have done that. After that, I will retire, and there will be a special election to replace me.’
The announcement also came after Green was publicly embroiled in an alleged 2024 affair and roasted by his ex wife online.