Hegseth not running for Tennessee Senate seat
The gist
An AP source says Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is not under consideration for Tennessee's open Senate seat.
The seat opened after Blackburn won governor; Hegseth faces an impeachment push.
How it unfolded
- Jul 30, 2025A longtime Trump adviser said Hegseth would not run for office in Tennessee, and a person who spoke with him called the idea "totally off the table."
- Oct 17, 2026Hegseth visited Tennessee on the "Send Me Tour," speaking to University of Tennessee ROTC cadets and attending a Tennessee-Alabama football game.
- Oct 21, 2026Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Hegseth's "singular focus is leading the War Department" and called other speculation "foolish."
Key terms
- impeachment
- The process by which a legislature brings charges against an official for serious misconduct, possibly leading to removal after trial.
- special election
- An election held to fill a political office that has become vacant between regular general elections.
- ROTC
- College and university-based programs that train students to become commissioned officers in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Source: Wikipedia