In 2017, Behn began working as the healthcare community organizer for the Tennessee Justice Center.[4] She's currently the Campaign Director for RuralOrganizing.org, where she oversees the organization's electoral strategy.[5]
Political activism
In 2018, Behn was the lead organizer for Enough is Enough TN, a campaign advocating for the expulsion of State Representative David Byrd after being accused of sexually assaulting underage women.[6] She was removed from the Tennessee House of Representatives visitor's gallery in 2019 after interrupting a legislative session to protest the speakership of Glen Casada.[7] Behn opposed the 2023 Tennessee House of Representatives expulsions and organized protests outside the State Capitol.[8]
Tennessee House of Representatives
In 2023, after the death of five-term State Representative Bill Beck, Behn campaigned in a special election for the Tennessee House of Representatives 51st district. She was endorsed by Representative Gloria Johnson, Tennessee College Democrats, and Tennessee AFL-CIO.[9][10] The Nashville Metro Council appointed former councilmember Anthony Davis to serve as interim representative until the special election in September.[11] Behn defeated Davis in the August 3rd primary with 53.46% of the vote.[12] She won the general election with 75.61% of the vote.[13]
On November 20, Behn announced her legislative proposal to repeal the Tennessee sales tax on groceries.[14]
References
^"Aftyn Behn". Nashville.gov. Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. Retrieved October 26, 2023.