The Pentagon dismissed claims first reported by NBC News that U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is privately discussing a possible run for Tennessee Governor next year.
Tuesday evening, NBC News, citing two anonymous sources who have “spoken directly” with Hegseth, reported that the secretary has “privately discussed the idea of running for political office next year in Tennessee,” specifically a “possible campaign for governor in Tennessee.”
The outlet further reported that both of the anonymous sources said their discussions with Hegseth about a possible bid for political office in Tennessee – which they both reportedly characterized as “serious” – have taken place since Hegseth became secretary, with one discussion reportedly taking place within the past three weeks.
In a statement to NBC News, U.S. Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Sean Parnell dismissed the outlet’s reporting that Hegseth has political ambitions, saying, “Hegseth’s focus remains solely on serving under President Trump.”
“Fake news NBC is so desperate for attention, they are shopping around a made up story… again. Only two options exist: either the ‘sources’ are imaginary or these reporters are getting punked. Secretary Hegseth’s focus remains solely on serving under President Trump and advancing the America First mission at the Department of Defense,” Parnell further provided in a statement to the outlet.
To hold the office of governor, a person must have been a citizen of Tennessee for seven years before the election, according to the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office.
Hegseth moved from New Jersey to Sumner County, Tennessee, in 2022.
While candidates for Tennessee governor must have lived in the state for seven years, candidates seeking to represent the state in Congress must be residents of the state for only three years.
U.S. Representative John Rose (R-TN-06) has been the only notable Republican so far to declare himself as a candidate in next year’s gubernatorial race.
U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), who previously confirmed she is “strongly considering” launching a bid for governor in 2026, has yet to make an official announcement.
As noted by NBC News, if Blackburn decides to run and ultimately wins, she would be required to vacate her U.S. Senate seat in 2027 and appoint a temporary successor until a special election is held – a scenario which could open up a potential opportunity for Hegseth, if his political ambitions are true.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
