Pete Hegseth has discussed running for political office in Tennessee, sources say

[riversedge]

Source: nbc news


The defense secretary has talked privately about running a campaign in Tennessee, sources told NBC News. The Pentagon said Hegseth’s “focus remains solely on serving under” Trump.

July 29, 2025, 7:30 PM CDT
By Gordon Lubold, Courtney Kube, Bridget Bowman and Julie Tsirkin

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has privately discussed the idea of running for political office next year in Tennessee, according to two people who have spoken directly with him about it.

If Hegseth were to follow through on the discussions, it would amount to a major leadership shake-up at the department that oversees the American military and millions of federal employees. The Defense Department bars civilian employees from running for political office, meaning Hegseth would have to resign to do so

.............

One of the people said their discussion with Hegseth happened within the past three weeks and that it was serious, not simply spitballing ideas. The other person, who also characterized it as serious, wouldn’t say when they had spoken — except that it was since Hegseth became defense secretary in January. The two sources, along with others in this article, were granted anonymity to speak candidly.

The discussions centered on what it would take to run.....

The people who have spoken with Hegseth said he has specifically mentioned a possible campaign for governor in Tennessee, where he lives. The state has an open race for governor next year, though there are eligibility requirements for candidates that Hegseth might not meet.


Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/pete-hegseth-discussed-running-political-office-tennessee-rcna221681

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Link to tweet

If Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were to run for office, it would amount to a major leadership shake-up at the department that oversees the American military and millions of federal employeesMark Schiefelbein / AP

[BOSSHOG]

1. As he reviews his marketable skills

GOP elected rep. No skills needed. Good bucks. Lotsa chicks.

[groundloop]

3. And plenty of free booze.

[BOSSHOG]

5. The fuel that keeps rugged individualists going.

[Ocelot II]

2. At least it would get his sorry ass out of DoD.

[brush]

4. Pls do, Kegbreath 'cause you suck as defense sec'y.

To put that out there n public he must sense that some admin people are tired of his incompetence.

[radical noodle]

6. Tennessee is a good place for him n/t

[gay texan]

7. Looking for an off ramp n/t

[Strelnikov_]

8. Does show a degree of self-awareness I did not think he possessed

Even governor's, though, have to work sometimes. Just ask Jesse Ventura.

[Strelnikov_]

9. On second thought, he probably figures if Noem could pull off being a gov . . .

[Buddyzbuddy]

10. The Pentagon said Hegseth's "focus remains solely on serving under" Trump.

I'm sure that's his focus.

[SomewhereInTheMiddle]

13. What ever happened to serving the American people? nt

[Buddyzbuddy]

15. For this Administration, Cabinet, both Chambers and the SC, service is to one person.

The Felon of the United(for now) States of America.
The whole lot needs to be eliminated.

Through the legislative process, of course.

[Skittles]

16. WE THE PEOPLE is an alien concept to repukes

yup

[Initech]

11. Keep these MAGA fucks as far away from office as possible!

[Cheezoholic]

12. In other words he's being shown the proverbial door n/t

[not fooled]

14. That was my thought, exactly

he thinks this provides cover for departing the DoD in a less embarrassing way.

I would hope Tennesseans are not dumb enough to make electing this guy this a serious possibility.

[DFW]

17. He should go for it

I hear the city of Chattanooga has an opening for dog catcher.

[Old Testament Libera]

18. Run, Pete, Run!

Run for Governor, Senator, anything. He is sure to fail.

[FakeNoose]

19. OK! Please resign immediately