Aftyn Behn, a Democrat running in Tennessee’s special election for the 7th Congressional District, avoided giving a clear stance on whether increasing funding for police would be beneficial. During an interview with CNN host Kasie Hunt, Behn was asked about past social media posts advocating for the elimination of Nashville’s police service and whether she now supported more funding for law enforcement. Behn replied that her previous statements were made as a private citizen and emphasized that, as a lawmaker, she represents the diverse opinions of her constituents. She declined to provide a direct answer, stating that the approach to community safety should reflect what local residents want, including investments in mental health services and public protection.
Behn also sidestepped questions about disagreements with Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. When pressed, she said her priority was addressing local issues like lowering living costs for Tennessee residents and focused on campaigning in the final hours before the election. Her previous criticism of Nashville resurfaced during the campaign, highlighting her controversial comments about the city’s culture and entertainment scene. These remarks, combined with her avoidance of direct policy answers, drew scrutiny from political analysts and media observers.
Her Republican opponent, Trump-backed Matt Van Epps, criticized Behn for a “socialist agenda,” warning that her policies would raise taxes and increase the cost of living. Van Epps emphasized that President Trump carried the district by a significant margin and that Republican candidates were expected to retain their advantage. House Speaker Mike Johnson campaigned alongside Van Epps, stressing the challenge Democrats face in flipping a deeply conservative district.