POLITICS

Nashville Special Election Draws National Money, Podcast Fallout

PUBLISHED Nov 21, 2025, 1:10 PM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 18

Left 6%

Center 56%

Right 39%

Sources: 18

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — National attention has focused on the Dec. 2 special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District after a 2020 podcast clip resurfaced in which Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn said she “hates” Nashville, prompting criticism and debate among voters. Both parties have increased spending and deployed high-profile surrogates; MAGA Inc. reported more than $1 million backing Republican Matt Van Epps, while Behn’s campaign reported raising over $1 million from Oct. 1–Nov. 12 and holding roughly $522,000 on hand. Early voting has begun, and national groups continue advertising, organizing, and visiting the district. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

February 2020: Aftyn Behn made critical remarks about Nashville on a podcast.
November 4, 2025: Post-election environment prompted national parties to reassess target races.
Oct. 1–Nov. 12, 2025: Campaign finance filings show Behn’s substantial fundraising and Van Epps’s receipts.
November 20, 2025: Multiple outlets reported heavy outside spending and the resurfaced podcast clip.
December 2, 2025: Scheduled date for the Tennessee 7th District special election.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 18
Right Leaning:: 7
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 10

Who Benefited

National political committees and allied super PACs, notably MAGA Inc. and Republican National Committee-backed channels, gained amplification and reach by directing significant ad spending and high-profile surrogates into Tennessee’s 7th District special election.

Who Impacted

Democratic nominee Aftyn Behn and her campaign suffered reputational and messaging setbacks when a February 2020 podcast clip resurfaced in late November, drawing negative attention during early voting and the closing campaign period.

Media Bias