WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is reportedly weighing a possible run for political office in Tennessee, according to two individuals who have recently spoken directly with him. Discussions about his potential candidacy have taken place in recent weeks and were described as serious, focusing on campaign logistics and eligibility for a gubernatorial bid.
If Hegseth decides to pursue office, it would require his resignation due to Defense Department rules that bar civilian employees from running for political positions. The position he’s reportedly considering is governor of Tennessee, a seat that will be open in 2026. However, Hegseth may not meet state eligibility rules, such as the requirement to have lived in Tennessee for at least seven years prior to the election. Records show he moved to the state roughly three years ago.
Responding to the speculation, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell firmly dismissed the claims, emphasizing that Secretary Hegseth is fully dedicated to serving under President Trump and advancing the goals of the America First agenda.He also accused media outlets of fabricating stories for attention.
While some sources said Hegseth is not planning a campaign and called the idea “totally off the table,” others confirmed that conversations about a potential run have taken place since he became Defense Secretary in January.
Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Army National Guard officer, previously ran for U.S. Senate in Minnesota in 2012, withdrawing after failing to secure the GOP nomination. Minnesota also has a Senate seat open in 2026, which could offer another future opportunity.
His tenure as Defense Secretary has not been without controversy. Hegseth has faced criticism for staff dismissals, leadership style, and reportedly mishandling sensitive military information, including sharing classified content about a Yemen operation in a Signal group chat. A Pentagon inspector general report on the matter is expected soon. He also faced early scrutiny during his confirmation process involving personal conduct and financial concerns—all of which he denied.
Additionally, he temporarily suspended U.S. aid to Ukraine three times, but each decision was reversed by the White House. While Trump has publicly expressed confidence in Hegseth, reports suggest that frustration with his performance has emerged behind closed doors.
If Hegseth were to step down, possible interim replacements include Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby, both of whom have Senate confirmation and could serve in an acting capacity.
Tennessee law and Republican Party rules could present significant hurdles to Hegseth’s candidacy. The Tennessee GOP requires candidates to have voted in three of the last four Republican primaries. These rules have previously blocked candidates, including Trump-endorsed Morgan Ortagus in 2022, from appearing on the ballot.
Potential rivals in a gubernatorial primary could include Rep. John Rose, who has already committed $5 million to his campaign, and Senator Marsha Blackburn, a political veteran with over 25 years in public office. Blackburn is expected to announce her decision in August and could also vacate her Senate seat if she runs and wins the governorship in 2026—creating a possible opening for Hegseth in the future.
Tennessee’s Senate requirements are less stringent: candidates must reside in the state for only three years. Though there’s speculation about who might succeed Blackburn if she were elected governor, her team insists no discussions have occurred with Hegseth regarding an appointment.
Scott Golden, chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party, stated he hasn’t had any recent discussions with Trump or Hegseth about the idea and added, “Right now, it’s just not something that we’re even thinking about.”
Other Republican insiders in Tennessee also expressed skepticism, saying they haven’t heard of any solid plans forming behind a Hegseth campaign.
