Anonymous Sources Allege That Pete Hegseth Is Considering A Gubernatorial Run in Tennessee

Image Credit: @PeteHegseth / X

The Tennessee Conservative [By Adelia Kirchner] –

Two anonymous individuals who reportedly spoke directly with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, say he is considering running for political office in Tennessee next year. 

If Hegseth were to run for political office, he would have to resign from his position within the Defense Department in order to do so. 

According to NBC News, one of the alleged sources says they talked with Hegseth at some point over the last three weeks and that the conversation about running was “serious, not simply spitballing ideas.”

The other individual also allegedly noted that their conversation with Hegseth about running was of a serious nature, but would not say when the discussion took place, except that it was after Hegseth took over as secretary of defense back in January. 

One of the conversations was allegedly regarding eligibility requirements to run for governor of Tennessee and the other about what a campaign would look like. 

Both sources allegedly told NBC News that it was unclear whether Hegseth would actually follow through on a gubernatorial run, but that he was seriously contemplating it. 

However chief spokesman for the Pentagon, Sean Parnell, has since stated that “Hegseth’s focus remains solely on serving under President Trump.”

Parnell also specifically called out NBC News for producing “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,” said Parnell.

Another anonymous individual who spoke to Hegseth last week about the campaign speculations told NBC News that Hegseth was “very, very clear” in saying that he would not be running for governor of Tennessee and that he wasn’t even considering it. 

A longtime Trump adviser also stated that Hegseth would not be running for political office in Tennessee.

Additionally, Hegseth would not be able to meet some of the eligibility requirements in order to run for governor of Tennessee even if he wanted to do so.

Under state law, candidates for governor have to have lived in Tennessee for at least seven years before an election. According to public records, Hegseth moved to Tennessee approximately three years ago. 

Tennessee Republican Party bylaws also require that candidates have to have voted in three out of the last four statewide Republican primaries. 

Currently, U.S. Rep. John Rose (R-TN-D6) has placed the only official bid for the Tennessee governor’s seat.

Watch The Tennessee Conservative’s interview with Rep. Rose about his run for governor HERE.

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN-D1) have not officially announced anything, but both have publicly expressed interest in running.  

About the Author: Adelia Kirchner is a Tennessee resident and reporter for the Tennessee Conservative. Currently the host of Subtle Rampage Podcast, she has also worked for the South Dakota State Legislature and interned for Senator Bill Hagerty’s Office in Nashville, Tennessee.  You can reach Adelia at adelia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.