Congressional Race HEATS UP – Candidates Neck-and-Neck!

Republican elephant and Democrat donkey on American flag.

A Tennessee Democrat who once said she hates Nashville is now neck-and-neck with her Republican opponent in a special House race, proving that in politics, past words can echo louder than policy.

Story Snapshot

Aftyn Behn, a Democratic nominee, faces backlash over a 2020 podcast comment where she said she hates Nashville, country music, and the city’s culture.
The resurfaced clip has become a central campaign issue just days before the December 2, 2025, special election.
Despite the controversy, polls show Behn and Republican Matt Van Epps running neck-and-neck in a district that includes parts of Nashville.
The race highlights the growing influence of social media and past digital content in shaping voter perceptions.

The Podcast That Sparked a Firestorm

In February 2020, Aftyn Behn, then a state representative and healthcare community organizer, aired her frustrations about Nashville on her podcast “Grits.” She said, “I hate this city, I hate the bachelorettes, I hate the pedal taverns, I hate country music. I hate all the things that make Nashville apparently an ‘it’ city to the rest of the country.” The clip resurfaced in November 2025, just before the special election, and was widely circulated by Republican groups and media outlets. Behn’s comments struck a nerve in a city known for its country music and tourism industries, and the controversy quickly became a focal point in the campaign.

Behn has since defended her comments, clarifying that she likes Nashville as a whole and has emotional connections to the city, including crying in the Country Music Hall of Fame. She argues that her remarks were taken out of context and that the controversy is a distraction from substantive policy issues. However, the Republican National Committee and MAGA Inc. have used the clip to question her fitness to represent the district, running ads that highlight her past statements.

The Political Landscape of Tennessee’s 7th District

Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District has historically been a Republican stronghold, with President Donald Trump carrying the district by 22 points in 2024. The district stretches from Kentucky to Alabama and includes parts of Nashville, the state capital and a major center for the country music industry. The district’s political landscape is shaped by its mix of urban and rural areas, with Nashville’s progressive leanings contrasting with the more conservative surrounding regions. The special election was triggered by the resignation of former GOP Rep. Mark Green, who left to take a private sector job.

Tennessee Democrat who said she hates Nashville, country music neck-and-neck with Republican in special House race: poll https://t.co/hWiEKzAASb

— Deen Coldwell III (@deen_iii) November 26, 2025

Democrats have poured over $1 million into the race, seeing an opportunity to flip the seat in a district that includes parts of Nashville. The controversy over Behn’s comments has only intensified the campaign, with both parties launching aggressive efforts to sway voters. The race is highly competitive, with polls showing the candidates neck-and-neck, and the outcome could have national implications for the balance of power in the House.

The Role of Social Media in Modern Campaigns

The incident highlights the growing importance of social media and past digital content in modern political campaigns. Candidates’ digital footprints are now subject to intense scrutiny, and past statements or opinions can quickly become campaign issues. The controversy over Behn’s comments has sparked debate about the role of personal opinions in political campaigns and the impact of social media on public discourse. Political analysts see this as a reflection of the increasing influence of digital content in shaping voter perceptions and campaign strategies.

The controversy has also influenced campaign spending, with both parties pouring resources into the race. The incident has sparked debate about the city’s identity and values, with Nashville residents divided on the issue. The race has national implications for the balance of power in the House, with both parties seeing it as a key battleground.