Kamala Harris Visits Nashville, Encourages Voting Without Endorsing Democrat Aftyn Behn

 The Democratic candidate in the 7th District special election left the event before the former vice president arrived

Former Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at Hadley Park on Tuesday afternoon to rally votes for the District 7 special election. Credit: Martin B. Cherry / Nashville Banner

Nashville Banner, Nov. 19, 2025- Scores of Nashvillians packed into a pavilion at Hadley Park on Tuesday afternoon as former Vice President Kamala Harris came to a Tennessee Democratic Party event to encourage voting in the District 7 special election. 

But Harris and State Rep. Aftyn Behn (D-Nashville), the party’s nominee with an unusual chance in the off-cycle election in a typically red district, did not cross paths or acknowledge each other directly at the event. 

In a bizarre campaign move, Behn left about five minutes before Harris’ motorcade pulled up to the pavilion, sending the crowd into a frenzy. 

“I have a bunch of events. I have stuff I have to go to, but I’m so excited for who’s coming, and deeply honoured that you all are here today,” Behn told the crowd during a minute-long speech. She did not name Harris but urged voter turnout. .... Behn told the Banner she had a “huge fundraiser” to attend at a downtown law firm. ...  former vice president...in town for her book tour

Though she has primarily campaigned on affordability and avoided more divisive topics, Behn, a progressive Democrat, is generally to the left of Harris, a moderate.  (read more)

Rod's Comment: Okay, can someone tell me what is going on here? I suspect Harris wants to give the presidency another shot and does not want to be tied to the far left of the party, but maybe I'm missing something. It seems to me, that Harris has taken positions every bit as woke progressive as Aftyn Behn, but maybe she doesn't want any recent reminders? One would think Aftyn Behn would have stuck around for a photo with Harris, if nothing else. Was it prearranged that they would not be on the same stage together? I am not buying that Behn had to rush off to a fundraiser party and couldn't delay her arrival by a few minutes. 

Top Stories