Despite knowing that this outcome was a possibility, it still was disappointing. But, the fact that republicans had to scramble to get this outcome - despite the area being so gerrymandered, gives me joy and optimism.
It was not unexpected to see Van Epps win. However, our prowess, the shifting national mood, and Behn’s own charisma, made for an encouraging trajectory on the heels of what on paper, looks like a loss, but longer term (hence the upcoming midterms) may very well turn out to be a major win. Not to mention, Behn still has a bright career ahead of her.
She ran a great campaign and was a really credible, strong candidate. I hope she runs again- maybe for statewide office. It occurred to me, seeing things with the perspective I’ve learned here, that her campaign must also have strengthened and energized the state party in Tennessee.
In addition, I think she energized the VOTERS of Tennessee! Perhaps we tend to underestimate or ignore the impact of voters. We'd best keep in mind that determined voters can overcome any amount of mere money.
I think voters/we get more energized when we think we have a chance. I have never understood the act/think like we are 10 points down philosophy. I guess there are those that don't want us to get overconfident and then not turn out, but I think the opposite is more true than not.
I would love love love to see a short discussion about that here. Know we need to stay on task too, but it might be good for the TN workers to know how much they matter.
Obviously we were hoping for Aftyn to be the winner but we are heartened to hear that the final margin was in single digits. 🙏🏼👏🏼😅 Congratulations to Aftyn Behn for setting a good benchmark for our other progressive candidates‼️ Onwards‼️✊🏼😆🙌🏼
I just posted this on Simon's morning discussion, but it belongs here.
From Ballotpedia:
"Of the 80 congressional races (11 Senate and 69 House) in 2024 decided by a margin of 10 percentage points or fewer, the Democratic candidate won 52 of these elections, while the Republican candidate won 28. Of the 43 congressional races in 2024 decided by a margin of five percentage points or fewer, the Democratic candidate won 26, while the Republican candidate won 17."
If there's a blue shift of 10% across the board in '26, Dems could pick up 28 more seats -- 3 in the Senate and 25 in the House. Of course, candidate strength will play a big part in the individual races. Btw, every one of the 11 counties in TN-07 shifted blue, from 25 points in Davidson to 7 points in Wayne. That's despite the $3-4 million in negative ads paid for by GOP super PACS and billionaires.
I'm thankful we had a great candidate. I'm glad she came close. I wish it had been closer or she had won. I'm not a big "moral victory" guy, but I'm going to be happy with the positives, as Simon indicates.
And yes, thanks to Aftyn for doing a great job with an extremely difficult task. She's fantastic, and I hope we see more of her in the future.
Millie Polli Haskell. I wasn't disappointed at all. Aftyn showed what a Democrat Can do in a Deep Red State like Tennessee. It is Possible! "GO GIRL". Congratulations!
I think this close race also shows the Democratic Party that it pays to invest in more races early on. I know it's hard bc of limited resources, but I am firm believer in Howard Dean's 50 State Strategy, updated for the times obviously.
This was a blood in the water type result. GOP will be panicking. The turnout was similar to 2022 which means it might be a good comparison to how 2026 will go. I honestly believe we could have won it with better turnout in Nashville, but that might have been depressed due to gerrymandering.
Great results. Would have loved to win it but a change in our direction this big is massive regardless.
Cannot wait to see/help with the AK effort. Gov Dunleavy is a Trump wannabe who destroyed the infrastructure of research (and associated income), tripled the cost of nursing homes, and a lot more during covid, but the AK progressives really started working back then. Never been a better time to support them!
Thanks Simon for keeping our eyes on the PRIZE! It’s a win just for the shift and R’s spending $$. Strategic support is critical. Let’s go! We all Rock with you!
Two wonderful things: You listened to the request to have us support her. The closeness of the race is a bright light of hope for us, and a poke in the snoot for trump and a wake up (will they be woke!?) for the GOP! I'm hoping that we and the party folks can stay in touch with her and support another office run.
Thank you Aftyn - well done! Proud of you!
Thank you for running, Aftyn, you are a terrific candidate, I look forward to your next chapter.
Thanks Simon. I was really upset but it’s perspective we all need. This helped me.💗
Despite knowing that this outcome was a possibility, it still was disappointing. But, the fact that republicans had to scramble to get this outcome - despite the area being so gerrymandered, gives me joy and optimism.
💰 isn't always the way to go.
Truth and honesty and support of the constitution rang out
Good and strong show for dems tonight even without the victory.
💯
It was not unexpected to see Van Epps win. However, our prowess, the shifting national mood, and Behn’s own charisma, made for an encouraging trajectory on the heels of what on paper, looks like a loss, but longer term (hence the upcoming midterms) may very well turn out to be a major win. Not to mention, Behn still has a bright career ahead of her.
Even the whammys are winners tonight! And congrats to the new, very progressive mayors and councils in Hoboken and Jersey City!
Thanks for this info!
Building from the ground up gives us a solid foundation!
She ran a great campaign and was a really credible, strong candidate. I hope she runs again- maybe for statewide office. It occurred to me, seeing things with the perspective I’ve learned here, that her campaign must also have strengthened and energized the state party in Tennessee.
In addition, I think she energized the VOTERS of Tennessee! Perhaps we tend to underestimate or ignore the impact of voters. We'd best keep in mind that determined voters can overcome any amount of mere money.
I think voters/we get more energized when we think we have a chance. I have never understood the act/think like we are 10 points down philosophy. I guess there are those that don't want us to get overconfident and then not turn out, but I think the opposite is more true than not.
I would love love love to see a short discussion about that here. Know we need to stay on task too, but it might be good for the TN workers to know how much they matter.
Obviously we were hoping for Aftyn to be the winner but we are heartened to hear that the final margin was in single digits. 🙏🏼👏🏼😅 Congratulations to Aftyn Behn for setting a good benchmark for our other progressive candidates‼️ Onwards‼️✊🏼😆🙌🏼
We need to double down. We can't be complacent. We can win big in the midterms if we keep fighting.
I just posted this on Simon's morning discussion, but it belongs here.
From Ballotpedia:
"Of the 80 congressional races (11 Senate and 69 House) in 2024 decided by a margin of 10 percentage points or fewer, the Democratic candidate won 52 of these elections, while the Republican candidate won 28. Of the 43 congressional races in 2024 decided by a margin of five percentage points or fewer, the Democratic candidate won 26, while the Republican candidate won 17."
If there's a blue shift of 10% across the board in '26, Dems could pick up 28 more seats -- 3 in the Senate and 25 in the House. Of course, candidate strength will play a big part in the individual races. Btw, every one of the 11 counties in TN-07 shifted blue, from 25 points in Davidson to 7 points in Wayne. That's despite the $3-4 million in negative ads paid for by GOP super PACS and billionaires.
thanks for this!
So proud of Aftyn!!! Very happy to have played a tiny part in her campaign. She is part of the very good news in the Democratic Party :)
I'm thankful we had a great candidate. I'm glad she came close. I wish it had been closer or she had won. I'm not a big "moral victory" guy, but I'm going to be happy with the positives, as Simon indicates.
And yes, thanks to Aftyn for doing a great job with an extremely difficult task. She's fantastic, and I hope we see more of her in the future.
Millie Polli Haskell. I wasn't disappointed at all. Aftyn showed what a Democrat Can do in a Deep Red State like Tennessee. It is Possible! "GO GIRL". Congratulations!
I think this close race also shows the Democratic Party that it pays to invest in more races early on. I know it's hard bc of limited resources, but I am firm believer in Howard Dean's 50 State Strategy, updated for the times obviously.
She was tireless and I’m v disappointed but closing in—even in red TN. Excellent work!
This was a blood in the water type result. GOP will be panicking. The turnout was similar to 2022 which means it might be a good comparison to how 2026 will go. I honestly believe we could have won it with better turnout in Nashville, but that might have been depressed due to gerrymandering.
Great results. Would have loved to win it but a change in our direction this big is massive regardless.
Cannot wait to see/help with the AK effort. Gov Dunleavy is a Trump wannabe who destroyed the infrastructure of research (and associated income), tripled the cost of nursing homes, and a lot more during covid, but the AK progressives really started working back then. Never been a better time to support them!
Thanks Simon for keeping our eyes on the PRIZE! It’s a win just for the shift and R’s spending $$. Strategic support is critical. Let’s go! We all Rock with you!
Two wonderful things: You listened to the request to have us support her. The closeness of the race is a bright light of hope for us, and a poke in the snoot for trump and a wake up (will they be woke!?) for the GOP! I'm hoping that we and the party folks can stay in touch with her and support another office run.
Aftyn Behn is outstanding and I hope this'll give her the encouragement to run again. Donated to the next Mayor of Miami just now.