Tennessee state Rep. Aftyn Behn, a Democratic candidate for Congress, is promising to champion the working class even as critics highlight her record of voting against tax cuts and fiscal relief in the state legislature. Behn, who is running to replace outgoing Rep. Mark Green in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, has positioned herself as an advocate for affordable living and social justice, but finds herself under fire for opposing bills that would have provided significant tax savings for small businesses and residents.
Behn’s Voting Record on Taxes and Budgets
Behn voted against a $400 million tax cut aimed at Tennessee small businesses, a measure that also included potential refunds totaling $1.5 billion for local owners. She also opposed the extension of Donald Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, which, according to the Tax Foundation, would have resulted in an average tax hike of $3,717 for each taxpayer in her district if not continued. Additionally, Behn resisted passage of a statewide budget that would have increased the state’s rainy day fund and provided millions in public safety funding for volunteer fire departments, senior centers, and emergency services.
Despite these votes, Behn’s campaign emphasizes her background as a social worker and argues that she opposes fiscal policies she believes disproportionately benefit the wealthy. Her platform includes efforts to repeal Tennessee’s grocery tax, with the goal of putting more money into working families’ pockets. However, Republican leaders contend that this measure would raise business taxes by $800 million—a point of intense contention on the campaign trail.
Republican Response and Political Backdrop
Behn’s GOP opponent, Trump-backed Matt Van Epps, has criticized her for proposals he says would “skyrocket the cost of living” for working Tennesseans. Van Epps argues she takes more money from families through higher taxes while he pledges to fight for tax cuts and affordability measures.
Local media have compared Behn to progressive figures such as Zohran Mamdani and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, calling her “our very own AOC of TN.” Behn counters that her focus remains squarely on “pocketbook issues” and reversing policies she claims have made life unaffordable for Tennessee residents.
Looking Ahead
The sharp divide over fiscal policy and tax reform has become a central theme in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District race, with both candidates vowing to fight for working families—though with sharply differing approaches. As the campaign heats up, voters will have to weigh past legislative actions against future promises in choosing their next representative.