History of Aftyn Behn in Timeline

Aftyn Alyssa Behn is an American politician currently serving as the representative for the 51st district in the Tennessee House of Representatives. She assumed office in 2023.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

November 24, 1989: Aftyn Behn's birth

On November 24, 1989, Aftyn Alyssa Behn was born.

Others born on this day/year

2008: Graduated from the Webb School of Knoxville

In 2008, Aftyn Behn graduated from the Webb School of Knoxville.

2012: Graduation from University of Texas at Austin

In 2012, Aftyn Behn graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with degrees in liberal arts and psychology.

2016: Graduation from the Steve Hicks School of Social Work

In 2016, Aftyn Behn graduated from the Steve Hicks School of Social Work with a MSW degree in administration and policy practice and a portfolio certificate from the Texas Center for Disability Studies.

2017: Healthcare community organizer for the Tennessee Justice Center

In 2017, Aftyn Behn worked as the healthcare community organizer for the Tennessee Justice Center.

2018: Lead organizer for Enough is Enough TN

In 2018, Aftyn Behn served as the lead organizer for Enough is Enough TN, a campaign advocating for the expulsion of state representative David Byrd.

2019: Removed from Tennessee House of Representatives visitor's gallery

In 2019, Aftyn Behn was removed from the Tennessee House of Representatives visitor's gallery after interrupting a legislative session to protest the speakership of Glen Casada.

November 20, 2023: Announced legislative proposal to repeal Tennessee sales tax on groceries

On November 20, 2023, Aftyn Behn announced her legislative proposal to repeal the Tennessee sales tax on groceries.

2023: Organized protests against Tennessee House expulsions

In 2023, Aftyn Behn opposed the Tennessee House of Representatives expulsions and organized protests outside the State Capitol.

2023: Elected to the 51st district of the Tennessee House of Representatives

In 2023, after the death of Bill Beck, Aftyn Behn successfully campaigned and won the special election for the 51st district of the Tennessee House of Representatives, defeating Anthony Davis in the August primary and winning the general election.

June 24, 2024: Filed lawsuit against the state of Tennessee

On June 24, 2024, Aftyn Behn and Nashville attorney Rachel Welty filed a lawsuit against the state of Tennessee, challenging a law passed during the 2025 legislation.

September 2024: Federal judge temporarily blocked a law

In September 2024, A federal judge temporarily blocked a law that Aftyn Behn and Rachel Welty believe criminalizes certain speech in violation of the First Amendment.

December 2, 2024: Announced legislation to codify the Equal Rights Amendment in the Tennessee constitution

On December 2, 2024, Aftyn Behn announced legislation to codify the Equal Rights Amendment in the Tennessee constitution.

2024: Sponsored bipartisan legislation to reform workplace harassment complaints

In 2024, Aftyn Behn partnered with Republican Todd Warner to sponsor bipartisan legislation, House Bill 2533, aimed at reforming how the Tennessee General Assembly handles workplace harassment and discrimination complaints.

May 2025: Confronting ICE agents in Nashville

In May 2025, Aftyn Behn followed ICE around Nashville and filmed herself confronting agents. Federal officials accused her of obstructing law enforcement operations.

July 9, 2025: Announced run for Tennessee's 7th congressional district

On July 9, 2025, Aftyn Behn announced her candidacy in the special election for Tennessee's 7th congressional district, triggered by Mark Green's resignation. She was supported by the Knoxville Democratic Socialists of America.

October 7, 2025: Won the Democratic primary

On October 7, 2025, Aftyn Behn defeated Vincent Dixie, Bo Mitchell, and Darden Copeland in the Democratic primary.

December 2, 2025: General election scheduled

On December 2, 2025, Aftyn Behn will face Matt Van Epps in the general election.

2025: Challenging a law passed during the 2025 legislation

In 2025, Aftyn Behn and Nashville attorney Rachel Welty filed a lawsuit against the state of Tennessee, challenging a law passed during the 2025 legislation that they believe criminalizes certain speech in violation of the First Amendment.