ADAMS, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The fourth annual Blue South BBQ, held Saturday at the Benevolent Lodge-Port Royal, hosted Democratic candidates for Congress, District 7, in the special election to replace Rep. Mark Green.
With Green resigning early from office, the Montgomery County Democratic Party is adamant about a Democrat replacing him. “The special election for the U.S. Tennessee 7 Congressional seat is an opportunity for Democrats and progressives to flip this seat and send to Congress someone who will work for the betterment of the people of Tennessee. We’ve not had that in a long time,” said Christine McKinney, the second vice chair of MCDP.
‘The eyes of the nation will be on this district’
Each candidate in attendance was given five minutes to speak about why they are running and why people might vote for them. Afterwards, attendees were given an opportunity to meet with the candidates and ask them questions.
The first candidate to speak was Rep. Aftyn Behn, currently a representative for District 51 in the Tennessee House of Representatives. Behn shared an anecdote about a friend fighting for health benefits after having open heart surgery, and being denied a life-saving medication because it was not profitable to the state. Behn fought for her and others who have to battle the system.
“As a pissed-off social worker, I am done begging for crumbs. I’m done asking politely while our systems are falling apart, and our state has been sold to the highest bidder. … It’s time to take back Tennessee,” said Behn.
Next was Rep. Vincent Dixie, a representative for state House District 54. Dixie is running for those who often get pushed under the rug and messed over by policies. “There is nobody looking out for our kids, our kids’ teachers. … Who is protecting them?” Dixie asked.
He called out Mark Green for supporting the “big, beautiful bill,” saying that it is going to devastate Tennessee communities. “Policy makes poverty,” said Dixie.
Afterwards was Darden Copeland, a first-timer in political races. He had worked in politics in his younger years, campaigning to help his candidates win. He became burnt out with politics and began religious work with his church. Now, he is ready to make a comeback into politics.
“We can’t keep doing the same thing here and expect a different result. That’s why I am doing it. That’s why I am in this race,” said Copeland. Copeland said we are not a politically “safe” district, and what happens here will reflect on the country. “The eyes of the nation will be on this district,” said Copeland.
The last speaker was Chastity Mitchell, the wife of Rep. Bo Mitchell, speaking on his behalf. Bo Mitchell currently represents state House District 50. She began by telling the attendees a story about Mitchell and his experience with health care loss, and how that has shaped his life experience.
Mitchell works to support working families, schools and all others who get left behind, she said. “When he talks about healthcare, when he talks about the challenges that our community faces, he’s lived it. And so, that’s exactly why he’s running for Congress. He’s not running for a title. He’s running to bring back an America that’s for all of us, not just for some of us,” said Mitchell.
‘Rural counties are the heart of every race’
Vice Chair of the Tennessee Democratic Party Nathan Higdon spoke briefly speak about the importance of participating in politics and voting. “Rural counties are the heart of every race. Every race, all across the country, especially across the South. And if we want to flip the seat, and it is entirely possible … it is going to take every single one of you in this room, plus your friends and your family to help lead the way forward, right?” said Higdon.
He also offered a $100 campaign donation to every person in the room who runs for local office.
State Rep. Ronnie Glynn of Clarksville attended and spoke about keeping the momentum after elections are over and getting young people out to vote. Glynn represents state House District 67.
“We are not in an election season, which makes it all that much better, because now we can energize voters in a special election and continue that momentum into the midterms. We all know that midterm is during the time when we have the least amount of voters who are engaged. If we get them engaged now in the special election, we can continue that momentum going forward, but we have to get out there and do the work now,” said Glynn.
Behn wins straw poll
Throughout the evening, attendees of the Blue South BBQ were encouraged to participate in the straw pull between the four candidates. A total of 341 votes were cast, with Aftyn Behn winning at just over 40%.
- Aftyn Behn: 41.9%
- Darden Copeland: 19.6%
- Vincent Dixie: 23%
- Bo Mitchell: 15%
Correction: Aftyn Behn’s first name was misspelled in an earlier version of this report.
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