Aftyn Behn

Aftyn Behn earned a degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Behn's career experience includes working as the campaign director of RuralOrganizing.org.[1]

Tennessee House of Representatives District 51

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U.S. House Tennessee District 7

Aftyn Behn did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Aftyn Behn did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2025 Candidate Connection survey.

Aftyn Behn did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

As a licensed social worker, I’ve spent my entire career pushing for policies that help working Tennessee families. From driving across the state raising awareness about Trump’s attacks on healthcare to standing up for victims of sexual assault at the legislature, my work advocating for Tennesseans prepares me for the job as your Representative. My relentless pressure campaigns have forced Tennessee’s most extreme politicians to resign and retire. I’ve helped to elect Democrats at every level of government, and I’ve worked tirelessly to build a Tennessee For All. I’ve learned what strategies work and don’t work, and I know that by mobilizing neighborhoods in our district and forging multi-racial coalitions, I can continue to challenge the status quo and extremism.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Uphold and defend LGBTQIA and reproductive rights, especially as the state criminalizes pregnancy and increases state surveillance of our trans community.Stand up to state overreach and introduce tactics I’ve learned from other states to combat the racist, undemocratic state preemption of our citiesI will push to expand supports for caregivers across the state as they deserve to be respected, protected and paid for the essentialism work they do every day

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Fighting corporate monopolies, challenging state overreach, make living in Nashville more affordable, climate justice, abortion access, participatory democracy, stopping the privatization of our public education system, breaking the NRA's stranglehold on Tennessee politics, affordable housing

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Rules for Radicals by Saul Alinsky; Emergent Strategies by Adrienne Marie Brown

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Servant leadership means a willingness to listen, vulnerability, empathy, self-awareness, and the desire to create a less toxic, less ego-driven work environment while working with the House Caucus

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I helped organize the protests for gun reform after the tragic Covenant shooting and have been an organizer alongside the Tennessee 3 for years. I want to make sure our state protects our kids and families- first and foremost. That includes keeping our kids safe in our schools, fighting for women to have the right to choose if and when to have a family, and protecting our LGTBQ residents from life-threatening government overreach. I will boldly stand up to rogue extremists in the legislature and continue to apply pressure on the bad actors who are hurting our families.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Standing up for my most vulnerability constituencies, organizing to remove extreme Republicans in order to pass progressive policies

What legacy would you like to leave?

Leaving Tennessee a more affordable, safer and better place for our kids

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

hostess at a local Knoxville restaurant

What is your favorite book? Why?

American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

I've Just Seen A Face by The Dillards

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Extremism and the unaffordability of daily life

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

No, as often entrenched and career politicians are the ones holding us back from creating new systems and improving the lives of Tennesseans.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, and as a rural organizer, I plan to build relationships with both Republican and Democratic legislators who want to ensure our rural communities are prosperous by introducing a bill to open an Office of Rural Prosperity.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I admire Ann Richards, former Governor of Texas.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Perhaps, we'll see how this election goes!

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Talking to constituents in House District 51, they are struggling to afford to live in Nashville, raise their kids, own a home, and fear the attacks on our communities from the Republican supermajority. I've spoken to many parents of trans kids who fear seeking healthcare in this state. Every story I hear on the campaign trail makes me want to fight even harder for our community.

Tell us your favorite joke.

What's the difference between an accountant and a lawyer? An accountant knows they're boring. (My partner is a lawyer and my brother/father are both accountants.)

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

In its current condition, absolutely not.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

In a state like Tennessee, we cannot negotiate with extremists who have shifted the Overton window so far to the right. We need to work to remove the most extreme Republicans across the state and fight to break the Republican supermajority in 2024.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

A progressive tax relief policy that taxes corporations and removes the sales tax (which disproportionately hurts working-class families)

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

United Rural Democrats

What committees interest you?

Health, Civil Justice, Local Government