US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is reportedly angling for Marsha Blackburn's Tennessee Senate seat to avoid a looming impeachment threat

Marsha Blackburn is favoured to defeat Democrat Jerri Green in the Tennessee governor's race, and Pete Hegseth reportedly wants her to name him to the Senate seat she would vacate. That seat runs until January 2031. A post-midterm House vote is anticipated on Republican Thomas Massie's impeachment resolution, which charges him with waging war on Iran without congressional approval. Republican Rep. Tim Burchett is also eyeing the seat.

Massie's resolution further accuses Hegseth of deploying unauthorised lethal force against suspected drug boats.

Some Republicans are hoping President Donald Trump will dismiss Hegseth before any impeachment proceedings get under way.

Hegseth attended a Volunteers game in Knoxville on October 17, sitting alongside Blackburn and Burchett.