CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – District 7 Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn headlined the third annual Blue South Banquet in Clarksville Friday night, telling supporters that Montgomery County will play a decisive role in the Dec. 2 special election. “What happens here will shift Tennessee,” she said. “What starts here will change this country.”
Democratic leaders, community organizers and supporters from across Middle Tennessee filled The Emerald Clarksville. The banquet highlighted community service, statewide momentum and the stakes of the upcoming congressional race.
Tribute to Rep. Jeff Burkhart
The evening began with a moment of silence for state Rep. Jeff Burkhart of Clarksville, who passed Friday morning. Democratic state Rep. Ronnie Glynn of Clarksville reflected on his Republican friend, saying, “He was not the kind of guy to hold a grudge. He could disagree with you, but yet he would still be your friend.”
‘Liberty, justice and the power of community’
Montgomery County Democratic Party fundraising Chair Dr. Duana Hall welcomed attendees and described the banquet as ” a celebration of liberty, justice and the power of community.”
Hall recognized the community leaders present and emphasized that “leadership begins with service, and progress begins together. … United, we have one mission: to move Tennessee forward and turn this state blue,” Hall said.
Speakers emphasize hope and local organizing
MCTNDP Treasurer Lori Bryant highlighted the impact of local fundraising. “Every contribution, big or small, makes a real impact,” she said. “You’re investing in a Tennessee that reflects the values, the people and the enduring spirit of the Volunteer State.”
MCTNDP Communications Chair Rebecca Janssen hosted a live edition of the party’s “Gateway” podcast with community organizers. TNDP Deputy Executive Director Luis Mata reflected on recent electoral gains, saying, “We may never sit under the shade of the trees we’re planting today. Knowing that really keeps us moving and lets us know what we are willing to sacrifice as a collective.”
Organizer Tiffany Perkins added, “People are tired. People are poor. People are feeling unheard. People are not being included. … We’re here, we’re coming, we’re taking up space, and there is still hope.”
Montgomery County Young Democrats President Toniah Anderson spoke about her motivation for joining the caucus. “I wanted young people in Montgomery County to feel seen, heard and empowered in the political process,” she said. “A lot of young people felt like their voices weren’t heard or that their vote didn’t matter.”
Torchbearer Awards honor community commitment
Two Torchbearer Awards were presented at the banquet. This honor was created in 2023 to recognize sustained commitment to democracy and human rights, according to the MCTNDP Chair.
Dottie and Jim Mann were the first recipients of the award. “I would encourage all of you to take time to be involved in the community,” Jim Mann said.
Former MCTNDP Chair Dr. Merriel Bullock-Neal received the second award.
Statewide leaders rally around District 7 race
Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Jessica Johnston noted that their recent Halloween fundraiser brought $350 in donations for Behn’s campaign.
Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Rachel Campbell spoke about the importance of unity. “Tennessee is worth fighting for, and don’t ever forget it,” she said. Campbell also said Behn’s platform has a clear message: “Feed kids, fix roads and fund hospitals.”
Former party primary opponent state Rep. Vincent Dixie introduced Behn, calling the special election “the beginning of a long fight to get our country back on track.” He added, “No one in the wealthiest country in the world should go without their basic needs such as food, shelter and access to quality healthcare.”
Behn urges supporters to ‘work like the whole country is watching’
State Rep. Behn opened her speech by acknowledging her colleague Rep. Burkhart’s passing, calling him “a steady and kind face” at the Legislature.
She then thanked supporters for their work in the district and addressed President Donald Trump’s tele-rally for Republican nominee Matt Van Epps Thursday night. “He adoringly called me a left-wing lunatic,” she joked. “But I was grateful because at least he pronounced my name right.” (It’s pronounced “Bayne”)
Behn highlighted the challenges facing families in Tennessee, citing high healthcare costs, worker safety concerns and increasing grocery prices. “I refuse to believe that this is the best we can do,” she said.
She told attendees that national political observers are watching Montgomery County closely. “I just talked to a friend today in D.C. who said, ‘They are sweating,'” Behn said. “They see that you all are putting in the work. They know this race is competitive, and it’s scaring them.”
Behn urged Democrats to continue building on their momentum during this final stretch of the campaign. “We need you reminding this community what democracy actually looks like,” she said. “We have 18 days left. Let’s work like the whole country is watching, because they are.”
Congressional candidates on the issues
About the congressional special election
Early voting is ongoing through Nov. 26 at the Montgomery County Election Commission, 350 Pageant Lane, Suite 404.
Election Day voting will be Dec. 2. For more, go to the Montgomery County Election Commission website.