The Democratic Party hopeful in Tennessee’s upcoming special election, Aftyn Behn, is experiencing a resurgence in public attention due to a 2019 incident in which she was forcibly removed from Gov. Bill Lee’s office during an attempted sit-in. The event, which occurred before Behn took office in 2023, has become viral and is now being used by political opponents to challenge her candidacy.
Before her election to the state’s District 51 seat, Behn worked as a political organizer for far-left groups such as ‘No Kings’ protests, Indivisible, Enough Is Enough Tennessee, and the Tennessee Justice Center. The 2019 sit-in was organized as part of her work with Enough Is Enough, which the conservative Capital Research Center claims was established to target Tennessee lawmakers accused of sexual misconduct. During the sit-in, Behn was seen skating past officers to enter the governor’s office, only to be yanked out by police after reportedly being told she could face arrest.
The incident, recorded on video, shows Behn wailing as she was removed. Subsequent media coverage, including a post by The Tennessee Holler, showed Behn on the second day of the sit-in, lying with a blanket and pillow in front of the governor’s office weeping. This incident has been weaponized by critics, including the Republican National Committee, who argue it highlights Behn’s unsuitability for office.
In the context of the approaching Tuesday special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, Behn has been subjected to significant political attacks for her radical past. Critics have highlighted her past comments about hating Nashville, calls to dissolve police departments, and previous justifications for violent riots and burning police stations. While Behn has attempted to downplay these claims, accusing opponents of taking her words out of context, the controversies continue to shape her campaign.
Her campaign’s response to media inquiries has been limited, and she has attempted to defend her record by stating she has spent the last decade ‘pouring blood, sweat and tears into my city and my state to make it better for working people.’ However, her political record includes opposing a $400 million tax cut for small businesses and rejecting a budget bill that would have allocated funds for public services such as teacher bonuses and emergency medical services, raising questions about her stance on economic policies.
Despite these challenges, Behn remains a key player in the upcoming special election, with her campaign facing a significant battle as her past actions continue to influence the political landscape in Tennessee.