War Secretary Pete Hegseth may have his eye on a different Washington address — and the opening could depend on a fellow Republican’s next move.
Hegseth is reportedly seeking an appointment to the U.S. Senate as concerns mount about a possible impeachment effort after the midterm elections. His potential route runs through Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn, whose seat would become available if she wins the governor’s race and leaves Congress.
In an October 25 report, Puck described Capitol Hill chatter that Hegseth has been pressing for Blackburn to appoint him as her successor. The reporting raises the possibility of a move from President Donald Trump’s Cabinet to the chamber that could otherwise confront an impeachment case against him.
A Senate opening — with competition
The potential appointment comes with a significant complication: Hegseth apparently is not the only Republican interested.
According to Mediaite’s account of Puck’s reporting, Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., also wants the seat.
Puck journalist Leigh Ann Caldwell reported that Hegseth attended a University of Tennessee football game with Blackburn earlier this month, with Burchett alongside them. Caldwell also reported, citing someone familiar with Burchett’s intentions, that the congressman has been campaigning for Blackburn across the state.
That puts a Tennessee lawmaker with an established political network in the mix for the same opportunity reportedly attracting Hegseth.
Caldwell also questioned whether Hegseth’s relatively recent Tennessee residency would carry enough weight.
His time in the state, she wrote, “might not count as real Tennessee roots.”
Impeachment pressure builds
The maneuvering comes as Democrats weigh their next steps against the Pentagon chief.
Puck reported that momentum is building among House Democrats to pursue impeachment when Congress returns after Election Day. Caldwell also reported that some Republicans hope Trump will dismiss Hegseth before an impeachment effort advances, while some senators envision him stepping down before they must confront a trial. Those possibilities remain reported discussions, rather than announced decisions.
The political backdrop is becoming more threatening for Republicans.
CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten said Sunday that the numbers were heading toward “blowout territory,” according to Mediaite. He cited a 69% chance that Democrats would capture at least 230 House seats — a forecast that would put them comfortably above the majority threshold.
That remains a projection. Voters have yet to determine control of the next Congress.
Impeachment would also require separate decisions in each chamber. A House majority can approve articles of impeachment, but conviction and removal require support from two-thirds of senators present. Winning a congressional majority would not, by itself, give Democrats enough votes to remove Hegseth.
The Pentagon has pushed back
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell previously denied the Senate speculation to Axios, saying Hegseth remained focused on leading the department.
For now, the reported Senate route rests on several unresolved decisions: Blackburn must win and vacate her seat, then choose a successor. And on top of it all, Hegseth would also have to leave the Cabinet.
