Win or lose, Tennessee is worth fighting for
Whatever the outcome, don’t forget that Tennessee is a marathon, not a sprint. We must stay dedicated, keep organizing, and show up for the work that makes a difference.
We’re in the final stretch of the election. You’ve probably replied “STOP” to a hundred political text messages, finally convinced your hairdresser to vote, and if one more campaign ad interrupts an SEC game, you might set your TV on fire. I get it. We’re all hanging by a thread here.
The good news? It’s almost over… well, sort of. Election results will take time to certify, which you can read here. The bad news? As someone who’s spent a decade in the electoral trenches, I have to remind you: in Tennessee, expect the worst and celebrate like an unranked team taking down Alabama when we actually do win. Because, let’s face it, electoral pragmatism is a survival skill here in Tennessee.
But here's the thing—despite the heartburn and sleepless nights, Tennessee is worth it. Every conversation, every text, every apolitical person you convince to vote, every moment matters. We’re in this fight because we believe in a Tennessee for All: a Tennessee that nurtures and invests in its communities, holds corporations and the wealthy accountable, and believes that we should feed our kids and fix the roads. Win or lose, I ask that you commit, just as so many of us have year after year, to keep showing up, talking to voters, and holding those in power accountable.
And, finally, a big shoutout to all the incredible women who carried this election cycle on their backs. Whether you are a candidate, the canvass queen (shout out to Dr. Katrina Green, who canvassed me yesterday as I waited the last day to vote early), or the one subtly applying pressure in your conservative pre-k moms’ group chat, this election wouldn't be possible without you.
So hang in there, and let’s give this final push all we’ve got. Our state is worth it, and the future we’re fighting for is, too. Please take a deep breath, do what you can these next five days, and rest when it’s all said and done. You’ve earned it!
Now, let’s give Tennessee everything we’ve got—together.
Aftyn
Announcements
SAVE THE DATE: 2ND ANNUAL GRL POWER EVENT
This year, many Tennesseans voted for an all-female ballot for the first time. Women across the state put their lives on hold, sacrificing time with their families, friends, and jobs to run for office. Win or lose, let’s gather together and celebrate their time and energy. Rep. Aftyn Behn will be hosting with special guests and other elected officials. Please save the date, and we hope to see you on Thursday, November 21st at 7:00 PM at Room with a View at Marathon Village in Nashville.
In the Press
Tennessee Democrats propose legislation to improve roads, transportation
Democratic Lawmakers Announce Efforts to Fix Tennessee Roads
LISTEN: After neo-Nazis target Black children, Nashville comes out to support them
On The Go
Thanks to the Amqui Station Farmers Market, Davidson County Democratic Party, and the Shops at Porter East for helping gather supplies for flooding victims in East Tennessee. Also, we’re very grateful to everyone in District 51 who dropped off emergency, food, household, and medical supplies! We dropped the supplies off in Cosby, Tennessee. Shout out to Chris Ford, HD51 constituent, and the group CWEET for helping to organize. If you want to donate to a community group on the ground, please consider donating to CWEET.
#TeamAftyn hit the road and the pavement in Clarksville, Memphis, and Rutherford County to support state legislative candidates! Check out photos from our canvassing trip to Smyrna and La Vergne for Jonathan Yancey (HD13) and Luis Mata (HD49).
Mama B and Aftyn traveled to Blount County to help out some of her Indivisible group friends running for office. Shout out to the rural county parties and candidates bootstrapping through this cycle with little to no support. Additionally, SEIU members and healthcare workers at Methodist Hospital in Oak Ridge are negotiating their contract: Aftyn stopped by to stand in solidarity with them!
Thank you to everyone who attended our “That Woman” fundraiser last week. Thank you to the Tennessee Playwrights Studio and the women who dedicated their time to the production!
Finally, Aftyn and Maryam Abolfazli (a candidate running for congressional district 5) spoke to UAW members in Spring Hill. Aftyn was there to speak on behalf of Rep. Gloria Johnson, who is running for US Senate and, unlike her opposition, is a champion for working families.
