Overview
- The clip from a February 2020 episode of the Tennessee Holler’s Grits podcast features Behn saying she hates Nashville and aspects of its tourism culture, including bachelorette parties, pedal taverns and country music.
- Behn said Republicans are attacking her with old audio and insisted she does not hate the city, noting she can be annoyed by tourist traffic while affirming her affection for Nashville.
- The RNC circulated the video as early voting opened, state Republicans criticized Behn, and at least one Democratic early voter said he wished he could retract his ballot after hearing the remarks.
- Early voting in Tennessee’s 7th District runs through Nov. 26, with Behn facing Republican Matt Van Epps in the Dec. 2 special election triggered by Rep. Mark Green’s July resignation in a district that leaned heavily Republican in 2024.
- New reporting also highlighted Behn’s past statements from 2020–2021 supportive of police abolition and critical of law enforcement, material opponents are using to frame a broader pattern as national groups invest in the race.