CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – After a topsy-turvy night of election returns, state Rep. Aftyn Behn has won the Democratic nomination to represent Tennessee District 7 in Congress, moving on to face Republican Matt Van Epps in the general election in December.
“Tennessee is ready for a new kind of Democrat – one that doesn’t need permission to fight for what’s right,” Behn said during her victory speech at Gray Fox Bar & Lounge in Clarksville. “The path to flipping TN 7 runs straight through organizing, authenticity, and a candidate who knows how to fight and win. But this isn’t the end. It’s the spark. In 60 days, we have the chance to flip a congressional seat.”
Behn, a social worker and community organizer, is completing her second term representing state House District 51, which includes parts of downtown Nashville, East Nashville and neighborhoods near the Cumberland River.
Tuesday night, Behn gave supporters an indication of the direction of her message.
“We are hungry for something real. We are tired of watching billionaires hoard power while families can’t afford groceries,” she said. “We’re tired of potholes, hospital closures, and politicians who cash checks instead of keeping promises. Tonight, Tennessee sent a message, and that message is women can still fight, organizers can still win, and Democrats in the Deep South aren’t done yet.”
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This was the Special Election Primary for the Democratic nomination to replace former U.S. Rep. Mark Green, who resigned from his position in Congress in June.
The other Democratic candidates on the ballot were:
- Darden Copeland: Nashville businessman.
- Vincent Dixie: Nashville businessman and state House member.
- Bo Mitchell: Bellevue state House member.
What’s next
The winning Republican and Democrat will face each other, along with four independent candidates, in the Dec. 2 general election. For that election, voters must register by Nov. 3. Early voting will be Nov. 12-26.
Jazmin Logan and Jordan Renfro contributed to this report.