Tennessee Democrat Faces Trust Crisis Over Firm’s Alleged Deception
Democratic candidate Darden Copeland’s PR firm accused of misleading residents during landfill expansion debate.
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Darden Copeland, a Democratic congressional candidate in Tennessee, is facing scrutiny over allegations involving his Nashville-based public relations firm, Calvert Street Group. The firm, which he founded in 2009, has been accused of misleading residents during a town hall meeting related to a proposed landfill expansion in Murfreesboro. The controversy has raised questions about Copeland’s campaign emphasis on transparency and accountability.
Accusations of Deception
In April 2025, the Nashville Scene reported that Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland accused two Calvert Street Group employees of posing as local residents during a town hall meeting to support the expansion of the Middle Point Landfill. The firm was hired by Republic Services, a waste management company, to advance the expansion proposal. McFarland claimed that the conduct misled residents by making paid advocates appear to be members of the community.
Footage from the meeting showed two Calvert Street employees speaking in support of the expansion. Copeland told The Daily Wire that the incident was a ‘mistake’ and that he had taken steps to ensure it ‘never’ happens again.
Political Ties and Campaign Strategy
Copeland’s campaign has emphasized accountability, healthcare costs, and support for working- and middle-class families. He has also pledged to oppose corporate PAC money and pursue reforms to restore trust in government. However, his current stance contrasts with his past support for Aftyn Behn, a far-left Democratic candidate who narrowly won the 2025 primary but ultimately lost the general election to Republican Matt Van Epps.
Copeland’s campaign has faced criticism for its alignment with Behn, who is known for her radical views, including the abolition of prisons and support for burning down police stations. Copeland’s campaign has distanced itself from Behn, stating that he spent over $700,000 trying to defeat her in the primary because Middle Tennessee wanted a moderate representative.
Electoral Landscape
Tennessee’s seventh district is considered a ‘Solid R’ by the Cook Political Report, but the district was redrawn in the state’s mid-decade redistricting, with nearly half of it being new to Van Epps. Copeland’s campaign has positioned itself as a candidate for the middle, aiming to flip the seat. Despite the allegations, Copeland remains a contender in the November 3 general election against Van Epps.
Source: Daily Wire
