ICYMI: DNC Chair Ken Martin Campaigns for Aftyn Behn Ahead of TN-07 Special Election Arrow

Following a resounding Blue Wave last week, DNC Chair Ken Martin traveled to Tennessee to campaign for Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn, who is running in the special election for Tennessee's 7th Congressional District. This was Chair Martin's third trip to Tennessee since becoming DNC Chair.

As early voting begins today, the DNC is fighting to ensure Tennessee voters know the clear choice they face on December 2. State Rep. Aftyn Behn is running a campaign that is laser-focused on protecting health care and lowering costs for Tennessee families, including eliminating the state's grocery tax. In stark contrast, her opponent Matt Van Epps said "we are moving in a great direction," despite the fact that Donald Trump's extreme agenda kicks 210,000 Tennessee families off their health insurance and puts nine rural hospitals on the brink of closure.

Here are some highlights from the Chair's GOTV blitz:

On the Airwaves:

99.7 WTN: "Democratic Party making a push in the long Republican-dominated 7th Congressional District of Tennessee. Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin's gonna campaign for Aftyn Behn in the special election to fill the seat Mark Green retired from. Martin will join Behn for a Nashville canvassing event tomorrow…"

In Print:

NBC News: DNC chair to campaign for the Democrat running in deep red Tennessee House special election

[Megan Lebowitz, 11/07/25]

"Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin will travel to Tennessee on Saturday to campaign for congressional candidate Aftyn Behn, who is running in a deep red district in a December special election - a sign of Democratic bullishness coming off of positive election results Tuesday. …

"Martin will hold a canvass launch event in Nashville, where he will also knock on doors, the DNC shared. Special elections typically have lower voter turnout and he emphasized mobilizing voters.

"'I said when I ran for this job that when you organize everywhere, you can win anywhere, and we just fundamentally believe that,' he said."

The Tennessean: Early voting begins in Tennessee's 7th District election. How to vote

[Vivian Jones, 11/12/25]

"Behn's background in organizing has brought new life to rural Democratic parties and resulted in historically high turnout among Democrats in the primary. Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin visited Nashville to canvass with Behn, capping a week of appearances with top national Democrats ahead of early voting."

Tennessee Lookout: Turnout was down 75% in Middle TN U.S. House special election, particularly in GOP strongholds

[Adam Friedman, 11/10/25]

"Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin was in Middle Tennessee on Saturday to canvass with Behn, the first public sign of support from the national party."

Newsweek: Democrat Aftyn Behn's Chances of Winning GOP Tennessee House Seat-Polls

[Andrew Stanton, 11/10/25]

"Despite the conservative nature of the district, the race is garnering national attention. Ken Martin, who chairs the Democratic National Committee (DNC), is set to campaign with Behn in the coming weeks, NBC News reported.

"DNC Chair Ken Martin wrote on X on Saturday: 'It's all gas, no brakes here in Nashville as we organize to elect @aftynfortn as Tennessee's newest congressional representative.'"

The Tennessean: Democrats make final push to flip 7th District, 'Tennessee loves a longshot'

[Vivian Jones, 11/08/25]

"On Nov. 8, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin stood on the back of a pickup truck in the parking lot at Charlotte Park Elementary School in Nashville and fired up a crowd of 85 canvassers to energize voters.

"'Anyone who's within 16 points right now is within striking distance,' Martin told the crowd. 'And Aftyn is not only within striking distance, she's on the verge of making this happen with all your help.'"

"'You've got someone in Aftyn Behn who knows ― as a social worker, as a community organizer, as a rep ― someone who understands the struggle of average everyday Tennesseans; people who want hope, people who need a champion,' Martin told the crowd.

"'Some of the reddest parts of the area right now are really in jeopardy,' Martin told The Tennessean. 'What we saw on Tuesday night is even amongst the hardcore base of Trump supporters. Democrats are energized and motivated and ready to take this country back.'

The Tennessee Star: DNC Chair Ken Martin to Campaign for Aftyn Behn in Tennessee One Day After Town Hall with Congressman Jasmine Crockett

[Tom Pappert, 11/07/25]

"Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Ken Martin will reportedly travel to Tennessee on Saturday for a campaign event with State Representative Aftyn Behn (D-Nashville) as the party seeks to flip Tennessee's 7th Congressional District, which former Representative Mark Green held before his retirement in July.

"The chairman's plan to visit Tennessee was first revealed on Thursday by NBC News, which reported it was a sign Martin is enthusiastic about her electoral odds after Democrats performed better than expected in several of their stronghold states, including New York, Virginia, and New Jersey, on Tuesday.

"He later told the outlet, 'It's about whose supporters are more enthusiastic.'"

Online:

DNC Chair Martin on X: The 2025 election season isn't over yet.

Right on the heels of Tuesday's elections, my team went on the road to Nashville to get out the vote for @aftynfortn. Early voting starts on Wednesday, November 12!

DNC Chair Ken Martin on X: It's all gas, no brakes here in Nashville as we organize to elect @aftynfortn as Tennessee's newest congressional representative.

If you live in TN-07, YOU have a special election coming up on Tuesday, December 2. Make your plan to vote at http://IWillVote.com.

Vivian Jones on X: DNC Chair Ken Martin stood on the back of a pickup truck in the parking lot at Charlotte Park Elementary School in Nashville and fired up a crowd of 85 canvassers to energize voters.

"Aftyn is… on the verge of making this happen with all your help."

Vivian Jones on X: INBOX: @DNC Chair Ken Martin will be in Nashville tomorrow to canvass with @aftynfortn

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