Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has engaged in private discussions about a potential run for governor of Tennessee in the upcoming election.
According to reliable sources cited by NBC News, Secretary Hegseth has explored the requirements and viability of a gubernatorial campaign in Tennessee. These conversations, one of which reportedly occurred within the past three weeks, have been characterized as serious. It’s important to note that such a move would necessitate Hegseth’s resignation from his current position at the Pentagon.
Hegseth, who resides in Sumner County, Tennessee, near Nashville, would be entering an open race, as current Governor Bill Lee is term-limited. The field of potential candidates includes other prominent Republicans, such as Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty, though neither has officially declared their intentions.
However, the Pentagon has strongly refuted these reports. Chief spokesman Sean Parnell told NBC News, “Fake news like NBC is so desperate for attention, they are shopping around a made-up story … again.” Parnell insists that Secretary Hegseth remains focused on his duties under President Trump at the Department of Defense.
This development raises important questions about Hegseth’s eligibility. Tennessee state law requires candidates to have resided in the state for seven years before the election. Hegseth has only lived in Tennessee since 2022, which could present a significant obstacle to his potential candidacy.
As we approach the 2026 gubernatorial race in Tennessee, the political landscape continues to evolve. Both sides of this issue present compelling arguments, and the coming months will likely bring further clarity to the situation.
