POLITICS

Nashville Podcast Clip Puts Tennessee Special Election Spotlight

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 11

NASHVILLE, Tenn. A resurfaced February 2020 podcast clip in which Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn said she 'hates' Nashville has become central to the Dec. 2 special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, opponents and parties say. Republican Matt Van Epps and outside groups have highlighted the audio while Democrats defend Behn and continue campaigning. National organizations and super PACs, including MAGA Inc., have increased spending; MAGA Inc. reported more than $1 million backing Van Epps. Campaign finance filings show Behn raised over $1 million Oct. 1–Nov. 12. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Timeline

February 2020: Behn makes comments on a podcast that include saying she 'hates' Nashville.
November 4, 2024: Presidential and House results provide partisan context; district carried by Trump by ~20 points.
October 1–November 12, 2025: Campaign finance filings show Behn raised over $1 million; Van Epps raised roughly $591,000.
Mid–late November 2025: Unearthed audio circulates; RNC and conservative outlets publicize clip; MAGA Inc. reports seven-figure spending.
December 2, 2025: Scheduled special election to fill Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District seat.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 7
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 3
Distribution:: Left 9%, Center 27%, Right 64%

Who Benefited

Republican candidate Matt Van Epps and allied conservative groups benefited from the resurfaced 2020 podcast audio because opponents and super PACs used the clip to amplify criticism, mobilize donors, and justify increased ad spending.

Who Suffered

Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn suffered reputational damage and intensified scrutiny after the resurfaced February 2020 podcast clip, prompting defensive campaign messaging and increased opponent advertising in the Dec. 2 special election.

Expert Opinion

The resurfaced February 2020 podcast clip where Aftyn Behn said she 'hates' Nashville has intensified national attention on the Dec. 2 Tennessee 7th District special election, prompting increased outside spending, public statements from both campaigns, and renewed scrutiny of candidate messaging and fundraising dynamics.

Media Bias