Overview

• Two anonymous sources say Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has held serious discussions about running for Tennessee governor in 2026.
• Defense Department policy bars civilian employees from seeking political office, meaning Hegseth would have to resign to mount a campaign.
• Tennessee law requires seven years of state residency and participation in recent GOP primaries—criteria Hegseth likely does not meet after three years in Tennessee.
• Sean Parnell called the reports “made up” and claimed the unnamed sources are imaginary.
• If Hegseth steps down, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll or Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby could serve as acting defense secretary without additional Senate confirmation.