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By Jesus Mesa and Leonardo Feldman
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In the final hours before Tennessee’s high-stakes special congressional election, Democrat Aftyn Behn is pushing back against President Donald Trump, calling his rhetoric a sign of panic.
“President Trump is saying all these things because he doesn’t have a plan to address the rising cost of health care and to ensure that working Tennesseans are able to afford health care, groceries and utilities,” Behn told Newsweek in an exclusive interview on Monday.
The state representative from Nashville has emerged as a surprise contender in the 7th Congressional District, where Republicans have long held control. Her campaign has gained traction in recent days, drawing national attention and a direct attack from Trump, who used his Truth Social platform Sunday to promote Republican Matt Van Epps and disparage Behn.
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In his post, Trump accused Behn of being a radical who “hates Christianity, will take away your guns, wants Open Borders, Transgender for everybody, men in women’s sports, and openly disdains Country music.” He added, “She said all of these things precisely, and without question—IT’S ON TAPE!”
Behn rejected the accusations, pointing to her record and community involvement. “These comments were mischaracterized and taken out of context,” she said, referring to remarks she made years earlier about Nashville. “It was a time when I was discussing why I decided to get involved in local elections… I’m a state representative that represents downtown Nashville, and I couldn’t think of a greater honor than representing the city that I love.”
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