Democratic congressional candidate Aftyn Behn defended her past controversial remarks during an appearance on CNN’s “Inside Politics Sunday.” When questioned about statements made while she was a private citizen, she highlighted her growth since then. Behn’s comments from 2020, which included criticisms of Nashville and calls to “defund the police,” have resurfaced as she campaigns for Tennessee’s 7th congressional district.
During the interview, host Manu Raju referenced a deleted tweet where Behn stated, “good morning, especially to the 54% of Americans that believe burning down a police station is justified.” He asked if she regretted those sentiments. Behn responded, “Yeah, I said that during the George Floyd moment when the entire country was demanding accountability and safer policing.” She emphasized a need for investment in community safety measures, stating that communities require support for mental health responders and youth programs to effectively address crime.
Behn reiterated her focus on the current needs of her constituents, which she described as a desire for safety and affordability. Raju pressed her further on whether she would still make such statements today. Behn stated, “I’m a lawmaker now. And so I wouldn’t post things like that now and haven’t, because I’ve definitely matured.”
In addition to her police-related comments, Behn previously expressed disdain for certain aspects of Nashville culture during her appearance on the “Year old GRITS” podcast. She stated, “I hate the city, I hate the bachelorettes, I hate the pedal taverns, I hate country music,” indicating her frustration with the city’s transformation into a tourist hotspot. When asked if she viewed those comments as a mistake, Behn maintained that they were made as a private citizen and affirmed her connection to Nashville, saying, “Do I roll my eyes at the bachelorette parties and the pedal taverns that are blocking my access to my house? Yeah, every Nashvillian does.”
In a 2019 op-ed for the Tennessean, Behn described Tennessee as a “racist state,” asserting that racism permeates the state’s legislation and affects marginalized communities. She wrote, “Racism is in the air we breathe, permeating the State Capitol, codified in the legislation being passed at the detriment of women, communities of color, and the working poor.”
Behn is campaigning to fill the congressional seat vacated by Republican Mark Green, who resigned on July 4, 2025. The special election is set to take place on Tuesday, and her comments are likely to play a significant role in shaping voter perceptions as she seeks to represent the interests of Tennessee’s 7th district.
