State Representative Aftyn Behn (D-Nashville), the Democratic nominee for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, is once again under fire for resurfaced comments she has made about the district she is seeking to represent in Congress.
On an episode of the “GRITS” podcast in 2020, Behn said she “hates” the Nashville tourism scene and Music City itself.
“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 apparently an ‘it city’ to the rest of the country,” Behn, who represents parts of Nashville in the Tennessee General Assembly, said at the time.
Aftyn Behn hates everything about Tennessee and will destroy it with her radical left agenda.
STOP AFTYN BEHN. pic.twitter.com/K5n0BtP4fT
— GOP (@GOP) November 20, 2025
Nashville’s famous entertainment district, Lower Broadway, is among the parts of Davidson County that are in the 7th Congressional District.
Behn’s comments about Nashville on the 2020 podcast episode made national headlines this week, catching the attention of outlets such as Fox News and political groups including the Republican National Committee (RNC).
“She doesn’t represent Tennessee values; she doesn’t even like Tennessee. If Behn hates her district so much, why is she running?” the RNC writes on its website.
Fox 17 Nashville reported Thursday evening it had spoken with some Democratic voters who said they regretted casting their ballot for Behn in the special election after having heard her resurfaced remarks.
Less than two hours later, Behn released a social media video addressing her past remarks.
NO, I DO NOT HATE THE CITY I REPRESENT 🤣🤣🤣
The national GOP's new attack? That I “hate Nashville." I’ve cried in the Country Music Hall of Fame no less than 10 times. They’re panicking because we’re close to winning. Eyes on the prize, y’all. Let’s go. pic.twitter.com/jjwMnyW8ZU
— Aftyn Behn for Congress (@aftynfortn) November 21, 2025
After doubling down on her hatred for the “bachelorettes” and pedal taverns in Nashville, Behn called her own comments a “narrative” being used against her by “panicking” Republicans.
“Today, the Republicans decided they’re going to start this narrative that me, the state representative that represents downtown Nashville, doesn’t like the city…Sure, I get mad at the bachelorettes sometimes, I get mad at the pedal taverns,” Behn said.
“We are so close to winning this race which is why these rumors are getting more wild,” she added.
Behn also came under fire this week for an opinion piece she authored in 2019 smearing Tennessee as a “racist state,” claiming racism in the Volunteer State is “wild and untamed.”
Behn faces Republican nominee Matt Van Epps, who is endorsed by President Donald Trump, and four Independent candidates – Teresa “Terri” Christie, Bobby Dodge, Robert James Sutherby, and Jon Thorp – in the December 2 special general election for the 7th Congressional District.
Early voting for the special general election runs through Wednesday, November 26. The final day for voters to request an absentee ballot for the special general election is Saturday.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
