Aftyn Behn’s Controversial Stance on Key Issues in Congressional Run

FIRST ON FOX: A Tennessee Democratic state representative running for Congress, who has been likened to Zohran Mamdani, claims she is striving to better the lives of the working class. However, her voting record suggests a disconnect between her rhetoric and her actions.

Background on Aftyn Behn

Aftyn Behn, a Democrat representing District 51 in Tennessee, is vying to fill the vacant seat of Congressman Mark Green from Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. Behn’s campaign emphasizes a commitment to supporting working families, yet her past votes raise questions about her dedication to these principles.

Voting Record Raises Eyebrows

In a notable display of her legislative priorities, Behn voted against a bill last year that would have delivered a significant $400 million tax cut to specific Tennessee small businesses and proposed refunds potentially amounting to $1.5 billion. Furthermore, she opposed H.R. 1, often referred to as the “one big beautiful bill,” which aimed to extend tax cuts initiated by Donald Trump in 2017—a move that could have prevented nearly a $4,000 tax hike per taxpayer in her district.

Impact of Behn’s Decisions

Earlier this year, Behn cast a negative vote against a statewide budget bill that intended to bolster the state’s rainy day fund by tens of millions. This fund is crucial for reducing the need for tax increases during periods of low revenue. Additionally, the proposed budget allocated vital resources for community services, including volunteer fire departments, senior centers, emergency medical services, teacher bonuses, and public safety initiatives.

Behn’s Campaign Messaging

On her campaign website, Behn paints herself as “a pissed-off social worker” who has witnessed systemic failures in protecting vulnerable communities. She positions her candidacy as a corrective measure against what she refers to as “the largest transfer of wealth from working people to the rich in American history,” a direct response to the passage of the previously mentioned tax bill.

Contradictions in Behn’s Rhetoric

Despite Behn’s claims, independent analyses, including those cited by the New York Times, found that Trump’s 2017 tax cuts resulted in a reduction of tax burdens for a significant majority of Americans. Notably, estimates from the Tax Foundation suggest that if these tax cuts had been allowed to expire, residents of Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District would have faced an average tax increase of approximately $3,717.

Continued Opposition to Tax Relief

In 2022, Behn once again voted against a measure that the Tennessee General Assembly Fiscal Review Committee projected would provide over $1.5 billion in tax refunds for small businesses across the state. This stance is particularly striking given the ongoing economic recovery efforts that many argue require tax incentives to support small business growth and sustainability.

Criticism from Opponents

Critics of Behn, including her Republican opponent Matt Van Epps, argue that her policies would lead to higher living costs for hardworking Tennesseans. Van Epps highlighted Behn’s consistent opposition to tax cuts and suggested that her proposals would ultimately take more money from the pockets of citizens. “I’ll always fight to lower taxes and bring down costs so that working families can get ahead,” he stated, contrasting his vision with Behn’s approach.

Comparisons to Progressive Figures

Local media have drawn parallels between Behn and notable progressive figures, such as New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. These comparisons suggest an alignment in their ideologies advocating for working families, despite criticisms of their legislative actions that might contradict these values.

Advocacy for Grocery Tax Repeal

Behn has also made headlines for her efforts to repeal Tennessee’s grocery tax, arguing that such a move would return money to hardworking families. However, Republican lawmakers have contended that this action would necessitate the imposition of a new business enterprise tax, effectively increasing taxes on small businesses by approximately $800 million.

The Call for Accountability

Despite multiple attempts by Fox News Digital to gather comments from Behn’s campaign regarding her voting history and policy positions, responses have been notably absent, raising further questions about her accountability and commitment to transparency with constituents.

Conclusion: A Race to Watch

As Aftyn Behn campaigns for a seat in Congress, her track record and the contrasting views of her opponents highlight the complexities of local politics in a predominantly red state. Voters in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District will need to consider whether Behn’s promises align with her actions and if her vision for the future resonates with their needs. With the election on the horizon, her decisions will undoubtedly remain under scrutiny.