Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth may be preparing for a major political move in 2026, according to multiple sources who say he’s considering a run for office in his home state of Tennessee.
Two individuals with direct knowledge of the situation say Hegseth has privately floated the idea and appears to be taking it seriously.
They say his time in President Donald Trump’s cabinet has raised his national profile and helped him build the political credibility and donor network needed to mount a campaign.
Sources claim the office Hegseth is most interested in is governor of Tennessee. One source said they spoke with Hegseth about eligibility requirements and the legal need for him to resign before launching a campaign.
The Pentagon prohibits any current employee from running for elected office.
If he does move forward, it would be one of the biggest shake-ups inside Trump’s administration since Elon Musk resigned from his advisory role and exited the Department of Government Efficiency earlier this year, as Trending Politics reported.
Hegseth, 45, has been one of the most visible cabinet officials in Trump’s second term. His bruising Senate confirmation fight and frequent public appearances have only added to his political capital.
Pentagon spokesman