How far can Democrats ride the affordability argument? A progressive running in deep-red Tennessee is about to find out

DONATE to Aftyn here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/duforaftyn



Aftyn Behn, the Democratic congressional candidate for Tennesee's seventh congressional district, attends a campaign event in Nashville on November 13.
George Walker IV/AP/File)

https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/29/politics/tennessee-special-election-behn-van-epps-trump

By Arit John

Aftyn Behn, the Democratic nominee for next week’s special election in a heavily Republican Tennessee congressional district, has made affordability concerns a centerpiece of her campaign messaging – mirroring the playbook of the party’s victorious candidates for governor in Virginia and New Jersey earlier this month.

Tuesday’s contest is poised to test just how far Democrats can ride that argument in a district that President Donald Trump carried by 22 points last November.

Republicans are hoping the district’s partisan lean, combined with Behn’s progressive profile and recently resurfaced remarks on policing and other issues, will tilt the race in their favor. Democrats, meanwhile, are banking that voters’ frustration over the GOP agenda in Washington could help them significantly overperform in a race that otherwise wouldn’t be competitive.

“I’ve always said, I don’t care who you voted for,” Behn told CNN in an interview. “I don’t care what political party you belong to, but if you are upset about the cost of living and the chaos of Washington, then I’m your candidate, and I welcome you with open arms.”

FULL story at link.