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Tennessee Democrat Faces Backlash in High-Stakes Election

11/25/2025

30 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Aftyn Behn, a Tennessee Democrat and state representative, drew criticism for saying in a 2020 podcast that "men can give birth."
She supports transgender rights and vows a "trans bill of rights" after the 2023 Covenant School shooting, where a transgender shooter killed six.
Behn is running against Republican Matt Van Epps, endorsed by Donald Trump, in a December 2 special election, as Democrats invest heavily in a Republican-leaning district.

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Story summary

Aftyn Behn, a Tennessee Democrat and state representative, drew criticism for saying in a 2020 podcast that "men can give birth."
She supports transgender rights and vows a "trans bill of rights" after the 2023 Covenant School shooting, where a transgender shooter killed six.
Behn is running against Republican Matt Van Epps, endorsed by Donald Trump, in a December 2 special election, as Democrats invest heavily in a Republican-leaning district.