After losing primary, Kentucky Republican vows to push Hegseth impeachment beyond midterm elections

Impeachment effort to continue

The Republican congressman who led a bipartisan effort to release the Epstein files says he will keep pursuing impeachment of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after the midterms. The article identifies the lawmaker as a Kentuckian who will leave Congress in January, following a primary loss to a challenger backed by Donald Trump. He had indicated there might be enough Republican support to pass the measure in the House and trigger a Senate trial.

Possible Tennessee Senate opening

According to Puck, Hegseth is interested in succeeding Tennessee Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn if she wins the state’s governor’s race against Democrat Jerri Green. Blackburn is described as currently on course to win.

If Blackburn becomes governor, Hegseth is reportedly hoping she would appoint him to the Senate seat she leaves vacant. The article says he may prefer that prospect to facing a congressional investigation or being dismissed by President Donald Trump.

Hegseth’s Tennessee connection

Hegseth, a former Fox News presenter, lived in Tennessee for three years before Trump selected him to lead the Department of Defense. That time in the state could help persuade local conservatives that he has a genuine connection to the area, the article says.