Aftyn Behn Bio, Age, Height, Husband, Policies, Election, Net Worth
Aftyn Behn Biography
Aftyn Behn is an American politician and licensed social worker who has represented the 51st district in the Tennessee House of Representatives since 2023.
Behn was born on November 24, 1989 in Knoxville, Tennessee. She attended the University of Texas at Austin. There she earned a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and liberal arts, graduating with honors. Later, she completed a Master of Social Work from the university’s social work school in 2016.
After school, Behn returned to Tennessee. She joined the Tennessee Justice Center in 2017 as a healthcare community organizer. Then she worked with the national group Indivisible and helped launch a grassroots campaign called Enough Is Enough TN in 2018.
Behn first entered elective politics after a 2023 special election. She defeated the interim appointee and won the general election with strong support in her Nashville-area district. She was sworn in on October 4, 2023, becoming the youngest woman ever elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives.
As state representative, Behn champions progressive policies. She proposed repealing the state’s grocery tax to ease cost burden on working families. She also co-sponsored bipartisan legislation aimed at reforming how the legislature handles workplace harassment complaints.
Beyond state politics, Behn has led efforts through RuralOrganizing.org to boost rural community power and expand broadband access. She supports reproductive justice, disability rights, and affordable healthcare for all Tennesseans.
Through her background as a social worker and her bold advocacy, Behn blends grassroots energy with legislative action. She remains a strong progressive voice for working families and marginalized communities in Tennessee.
Aftyn Behn Age | How Old is Aftyn Behn?
Aftyn Behn is 36 years old as of 2025. She was born on November 24, 1989, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Her age highlights her role as one of the youngest women to serve in the Tennessee House of Representatives. She brings strong energy and progressive ideas to the 51st District, which she has represented since 2023.
Aftyn Behn Height | How Tall is Aftyn Behn?
Aftyn Behn stands at 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm). This height supports her strong presence as she represents the 51st District in the Tennessee House of Representatives. Moreover, her stature complements her confident public image and energetic leadership style. Her height aligns with her bold political voice, which continues to influence progressive policies across Tennessee.
Aftyn Behn’s Religion
Aftyn Behn identifies as more secular and does not align her political career with religious affiliation. She has expressed that opening prayers in the Tennessee legislature make her uncomfortable, highlighting her preference for a separation between faith and policy. Moreover, she often emphasizes policy, social justice, and community advocacy over religious considerations. Behn’s approach reflects her commitment to inclusive governance, ensuring that her legislative work focuses on representation and progressive reforms rather than faith-based influence.
Aftyn Behn Ethnicity
Aftyn Behn is an American politician whose specific ethnic background has not been publicly disclosed. She grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, where her community and upbringing shaped her passion for social work and activism. While media and official profiles focus on her career and progressive agenda, she has not shared details about her ancestry.
Aftyn Behn’s Education
Aftyn Behn earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Liberal Arts (Honors) from the University of Texas at Austin in 2012. Then, she completed a Master of Social Work (MSW) at the university’s Steve Hicks School of Social Work in 2016. During graduate studies, she also earned a portfolio certificate from the Texas Center for Disability Studies.
Aftyn Behn Political Party
Aftyn Behn is a proud member of the Democratic Party, representing Tennessee’s 51st District. Her progressive agenda focuses on social justice, healthcare access, and economic fairness. Moreover, her Democratic affiliation influences her legislative priorities, public image, and advocacy efforts. Behn continues to champion policies that reflect inclusive governance, worker protections, and community support, making her a prominent progressive voice in Tennessee politics.
Aftyn Behn Husband | Married | Spouse
As of 2025, Aftyn Behn does not have a husband. She has kept her personal life private, focusing entirely on her political career and activism. Her dedication to representing the 51st District in the Tennessee House of Representatives leaves little public information about romantic relationships. Moreover, her biography emphasizes her work as a licensed social worker turned politician, highlighting her progressive agenda and community involvement rather than her private life.
Aftyn Behn’s Children | Kids
As of 2025, Aftyn Behn does not have any children. She has chosen to keep her personal life private, focusing instead on her political career and activism. Her work as a licensed social worker turned Tennessee state representative drives her public attention. Moreover, she dedicates her energy to advancing progressive policies, social justice, and community development, making her legislative accomplishments the central focus of her biography rather than family life.
Aftyn Behn Parents & Family
Aftyn Behn has kept her family life private, and the names of her parents are not publicly disclosed. She grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, where she attended the Webb School of Knoxville. While details about her siblings or extended family remain unknown, her upbringing influenced her commitment to social work, community organizing, and progressive politics. Today, Behn’s public image focuses on her activism and legislative work rather than her personal family background.
Aftyn Behn’s Policies | Key Issues & Political Agenda
Aftyn Behn champions affordability, healthcare access, and social justice across Tennessee. She proposes to end the grocery tax in Tennessee to ease burden on working families.
Moreover, she supports reproductive rights and abortion access. She co‑sponsored the “Reproductive Freedom Act” to protect abortion and healthcare choices for individuals.
Additionally, she fights for workplace fairness and anti‑harassment reforms. She co‑introduced legislation to move sexual‑harassment investigations to the state Attorney General’s office for impartial review.
Furthermore, she advocates for rural prosperity, affordable housing, and strong worker protections to support small businesses and lower living costs.
Aftyn Behn Elections 2025 | Tennessee Special Elections
In 2025, Aftyn Behn ran for the U.S. House in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. She won the Democratic primary on October 7, 2025, securing her party’s nomination. However, in the December 2, 2025 general election, she lost to Republican Matt Van Epps, who earned 53.9% of the vote compared to Behn’s 45.1%.
Despite the loss, Behn’s performance was impressive in a traditionally Republican district, signaling growing support for her progressive policies and leadership. Her campaign highlighted her commitment to social justice, healthcare access, and economic fairness, marking her as a rising political figure to watch in Tennessee.
Aftyn Behn and Congress | Matt Van Epps vs Aftyn Behn
In 2025, Aftyn Behn entered a special election for U.S. House of Representatives, seeking the seat for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. She secured the Democratic nomination on October 7, 2025, beating multiple primary challengers.
Her campaign emphasized affordability, rural prosperity, healthcare access, and worker protections. Many progressive groups—including immigrant‑rights and social‑justice organizations—endorsed her.
Ultimately, she lost the December 2, 2025 general special election to Matt Van Epps. Despite the defeat, she narrowed the usual Republican margin, signaling rising support for progressive ideas even in a traditionally conservative district.
Aftyn Behn Net Worth
Aftyn Behn has an estimated net worth of $250,000 to $500,000, reflecting her career in public service. She earns income as a licensed social worker, community organizer, and Tennessee state representative. Unlike many politicians, her wealth comes primarily from her dedication to public service and activism rather than private ventures. Behn’s net worth highlights her focus on progressive policies, social justice, and community impact over personal financial gain.
