Marsha Blackburn Rules Out Pete Hegseth for Tennessee Senate Seat
Senator Marsha Blackburn will not appoint Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to her vacant Tennessee Senate seat.
U.S. Secretary of Defense/Wikimedia Commons
Republican U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, who was elected governor on November 3, 2026, is not considering Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to fill her soon-to-be-vacant Senate seat, according to a source close to Blackburn. Despite growing speculation around Hegseth’s potential appointment, Blackburn has neither contemplated his selection nor discussed it with President Donald Trump as she prepares for her gubernatorial transition.
Blackburn’s Upcoming Senate Appointment
Following her narrow victory in the Tennessee governor’s race, Blackburn is scheduled to be sworn in as governor in January. Tennessee law empowers the new governor to appoint a replacement for her Senate seat until the next election in November 2028. Blackburn, a staunch Trump ally, won with 45.5% of the vote, narrowly defeating Democrat Jerri Green, who had 43%, while Independent David Hatley took 9%.
The source, who spoke anonymously, emphasized that the rumors about Hegseth’s appointment are baseless speculation originating from Washington. Multiple Republican donors and officeholders reportedly opposed the idea of Blackburn selecting Hegseth, further diminishing his chances.
Leading Contenders for the Senate Seat
Among the Republicans considered strong contenders to fill Blackburn’s Senate seat are U.S. Representative Tim Burchett and Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs. Jacobs notably stood with Blackburn during her election night victory speech, signaling his prominence in the race. No official announcement has been made, but these figures are viewed as likely appointees.
Pete Hegseth’s Controversies and Political Standing
Hegseth, a former Fox News host and current Defense Secretary, has become one of the Trump administration’s most controversial figures. He has worked to promote a “warrior ethos” within the armed services but faces an imminent impeachment push from Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky. Massie is expected to initiate proceedings as soon as next week, accusing Hegseth of conducting unauthorized military actions against Iran and using lethal force against suspected drug traffickers without judicial approval.
In a November 5 video address, Hegseth vowed to resist impeachment efforts, declaring, “We don’t back down and that especially applies now. The next few months and years are critical for our department and our republic.” Meanwhile, President Trump has acknowledged receiving calls critical of Hegseth’s leadership but insists on keeping him as Pentagon chief, stating in an ABC News interview, “I get these calls, you know, about him. I don’t understand why.”
Despite Hegseth’s proximity to Nashville and his ties to the Trump administration, Blackburn’s decision to exclude him from consideration reflects the political pushback and controversies surrounding him.
As Blackburn transitions to becoming Tennessee’s first female governor, attention now turns to her choice for the Senate seat, which will shape Tennessee’s political landscape until the 2028 election.
