Democrat Aftyn Behn Tests Affordability Messaging in Deep-Red Tennessee Special Election
Aftyn Behn, the Democratic nominee in next week’s special election for Tennessee’s heavily Republican 7th Congressional District, is making affordability the centerpiece of her campaign. Her approach mirrors the successful strategies used by Democrats in recent gubernatorial wins in Virginia and New Jersey.
Tuesday’s election will be a key test of how far Democrats can leverage affordability in a district President Donald Trump carried by 22 points last November.
Republicans are counting on the district’s conservative lean, along with Behn’s progressive record and resurfaced comments on policing and other issues, to tilt the race in their favor. Democrats, however, are betting that voter frustration over the GOP agenda in Washington could help Behn outperform expectations.
“I’ve always said, I don’t care who you voted for,” Behn told CNN. “I don’t care what political party you belong to, but if you’re upset about the cost of living and the chaos in Washington, I’m your candidate, and I welcome you with open arms.”
A District Shaped by Redistricting
The 7th District became vacant earlier this year when former GOP Rep. Mark Green resigned. The district stretches from Tennessee’s northern border with Kentucky to the southern border with Alabama, including parts of Nashville but mostly rural areas. As part of the 2022 redistricting, Nashville was split from a solidly Democratic district into three GOP-leaning districts.
Despite the district’s Republican advantage, Democrats saw an opportunity to compete after their total vote count in the October primary came just shy of the GOP primary turnout. Behn, a state representative and progressive organizer, narrowly won a four-way Democratic primary. On the Republican side, combat veteran Matt Van Epps, endorsed by Trump, emerged victorious from an 11-candidate field.
National Attention and High Stakes
The special election has drawn millions in outside spending and visits from national figures. Former Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned for Behn, while Trump is holding his second tele-rally for Van Epps alongside House Speaker Mike Johnson. Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is also supporting Behn through a tele-rally.
Since the October primary, more than $4 million has been spent on race-related advertising. Nearly $2.5 million came from Republican groups, largely targeting Behn’s progressive positions and past statements, including her remarks about defunding the police. A Trump-aligned super PAC even highlighted Behn describing herself as “a very radical person.”
Republicans have also circulated clips from Behn’s podcast criticizing country music and tourism in Nashville, as well as a video from May where she said she was “bullying the ICE vehicles and state troopers” during an immigration monitoring effort (Behn has said the term was satirical).
Behn Responds to Attacks
In an interview with CNN, Behn argued that Republicans have “been caught flat-footed, and they have resorted to personal attacks and character assassination.” She maintained that many of her past statements were “taken out of context or mischaracterized” and emphasized that she has matured in her role as a state representative.
“I’ve learned a lot, and I hope voters give me the benefit of the doubt,” Behn said. “Despite what’s being resurfaced, I have a track record of trying to unrig the system for working people.”
Democrats are confident voters will prioritize broader concerns over her past comments. “It’s really all about the mess in Washington,” said former Rep. Jim Cooper. “This is a chance for Tennessee voters to speak loudly and clearly about the help they need.”
Affordability as a Campaign Focus
Behn has consistently emphasized affordability, particularly regarding healthcare and groceries. “I’ve never wavered on affordability. It’s always been central to my organizing and legislative agenda,” she said.
A Knoxville native, Behn studied in Austin before returning to Tennessee during Trump’s first term. She worked as a community health organizer and later as a national organizer for the progressive group Indivisible. Her activism, including protests for gun control, inspired her to run for a Nashville-area state legislature seat in 2023.
Behn highlights her work to repeal the state’s four percent grocery tax, protect Medicaid, and address cost-of-living issues ignored by Republicans in Washington.
“This race is competitive because the Republican agenda has failed to deliver,” Behn said. “Groceries, utilities, and rent remain expensive. People want a representative who will usher in real change.”
The GOP Response
Republicans acknowledge that Van Epps, a first-time candidate, faces a more competitive race than expected. Ads from Van Epps’ campaign have focused on affordability, a strategy typically associated with centrist Democrats, signaling GOP concern over Behn’s messaging.
“With strong conservative turnout, we will win,” Van Epps said. “I’ll work with President Trump to lower costs for Tennessee families.”
Both parties are watching closely, knowing that even a narrow outcome could signal trends for future elections.
