Democrats are going further and further left.
In the final hours before Tennessee’s closely watched special congressional election, Democrat Aftyn Behn — already branded by many as the “AOC of Tennessee” due to her far-left positions — is attempting to fire back at President Donald Trump. Her message: Trump is “panicking.”
Behn told Newsweek that the president’s comments about her campaign are a distraction from what she claims is a lack of solutions on health care and rising living costs. But Tennessee voters, especially seniors and working families, have heard this script before — the same talking points used by national Democrats in Washington who oppose Trump at every turn.
A Radical Candidate With National Democrat Backing
Behn, a progressive state representative from Nashville, has shocked political observers by gaining momentum in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District — a district Republicans have reliably controlled for years. Her sudden rise has triggered national attention, progressive fundraising, and now direct engagement from President Trump himself.
Over the weekend, Trump took to Truth Social to strongly endorse Republican Matt Van Epps and warn voters about Behn’s extreme record.
Trump Issues a Firm Warning to Tennessee Voters
President Trump didn’t mince words. He described Behn as a radical Democrat who:
- “Hates Christianity,”
- “Will take away your guns,”
- “Wants Open Borders,”
- “Supports men competing in women’s sports,”
- And “openly disdains Country music.”
Trump also emphasized that Behn’s controversial statements aren’t rumors or political spin:
“It’s on tape!”
These concerns hit at the heart of Tennessee values — faith, family, the Second Amendment, secure borders, and cultural traditions.
Behn Pushes Back, Tries to Reframe Her Record
Behn dismissed Trump’s criticism, claiming her earlier remarks were “mischaracterized” or “taken out of context.” She pointed to comments she made years ago about Nashville while explaining why she entered politics.
“I’m a state representative for downtown Nashville, and I couldn’t think of a greater honor,” she said, insisting she does not hold the extreme positions Trump highlighted.
However, her voting record, activist background, and public statements have already made her a rising star among the progressive left — a comparison to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez that conservatives in Tennessee take seriously.
A High-Stakes Choice for Tennessee
As the election approaches, voters in this deep-red district face a defining decision:
Support President Trump’s endorsed Republican candidate or hand a conservative stronghold to a Democrat increasingly aligned with the far-left movement.
With issues like border security, inflation, religious liberty, and public safety dominating conversations, the outcome of this race will signal whether Tennessee stays firmly rooted in conservative values — or if the left sees a breakthrough in a place few expected.