Hegseth weighs run for Tennessee governor, draws mixed reactions: Report
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has recently discussed running for office in Tennessee, according to two individuals who spoke directly with him. The sources told NBC News he mentioned a potential 2026 bid for governor. The race will be open, but candidates must have lived in Tennessee for at least seven years — Hegseth has reportedly lived there for only about three.
While some of Hegseth’s associates say he has seriously explored the idea, others deny he is considering a run. One source said Hegseth was “very, very clear” in rejecting the idea during a recent conversation.
The Pentagon, in an official statement, dismissed the NBC report.
“Fake news NBC is so desperate for attention, they are shopping around a made-up story… again,” Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesman, said. “Only two options exist: either the ‘sources’ are imaginary or these reporters are getting punked. Secretary Hegseth’s focus remains solely on serving under President Trump.”
Could Hegseth legally run for office while serving as defense secretary?
No. According to Defense Department policy and the Hatch Act guidance for “further restricted” civilian employees, individuals in Hegseth’s position are prohibited from running for partisan political office while actively serving.
According to DoD policy, he would need to resign from his post as defense secretary to launch a campaign. Hegseth has not formally declared candidacy or filed paperwork.
What’s the controversy around ‘Signalgate’ and what’s next?
Hegseth is under scrutiny for his involvement in a group chat on the messaging app Signal. The chat took place in March and involved him and other officials coordinating a U.S. bombing campaign in Yemen. A Pentagon inspector general investigation is underway to determine whether classified information was shared inappropriately. One leaked message reportedly originated from a “SECRET/NOFORN” email sent by Gen. Erik Kurilla.
In response to the investigation, Hegseth’s spokesperson called it a “political witch hunt” and accused Biden-era officials of leaking details. Hegseth submitted a statement to the inspector general’s office, claiming the inquiry is biased.
However, Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, defended the watchdog, saying civilian leaders are “not above the law.”
What other issues has Hegseth faced in office?
Hegseth’s time as defense secretary has been turbulent. He’s faced internal shake-ups, including firing senior staff and has clashed with top military leaders. During his confirmation, he rejected accusations of misconduct, financial impropriety and other personal allegations. He’s also sparred with the White House over policy decisions like his suspension of three Ukraine aid packages, which the administration ultimately reversed.
While President Donald Trump has continued to publicly back Hegseth, NBC News reports that some aides have grown privately frustrated. If Hegseth were to resign and run for office, NBC News says successors include Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby. Both are already Senate-confirmed and could serve as acting defense secretary without a new confirmation process.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
