Puck reported Capitol Hill chatter that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was angling for a Tennessee Senate appointment if Sen. Marsha Blackburn wins the governor’s race, amid a possible impeachment push.
Blackburn would have to defeat Democratic rival Jerri Green and leave the Senate before a vacancy could arise. Puck also reported that Republican Rep. Tim Burchett was interested in succeeding her.
Puck said momentum was building among House Democrats to seek Hegseth’s impeachment after Election Day. The outlet described the possible appointment as an option for Hegseth amid the prospect of an impeachment trial over his Pentagon tenure.
Rep. Yassamin Ansari’s office said she filed six articles of impeachment against Hegseth with 13 Democratic cosponsors. The articles contain allegations, not findings by the House.
Pentagon chief spokesman Sean Parnell said the department remained focused on equipping and supporting service members when The Independent sought comment on Hegseth’s future.
Blackburn’s result in November will determine whether the reported vacancy arises. Congress’s return after Election Day is the next point to watch for action on the reported Democratic impeachment interest.
