Source Says Hegseth Not in Consideration for Tennessee Senate

A source close to Marsha Blackburn said Pete Hegseth is not being considered for the Tennessee Senate seat she expects to leave when she becomes governor in January. Blackburn has said she plans to retain her Senate seat until she is sworn in, when she can appoint a successor to serve the remainder of her term. The account of Hegseth’s status was relayed by reporter Jake Sherman. The unnamed source said Blackburn’s team was focused on the transition and characterized speculation about Hegseth as Washington political spin. The report reflects the source’s account of private deliberations; Blackburn has not announced a successor. Rep. Tim Burchett, a Tennessee Republican, told the Associated Press he wants to be considered for the seat. His stated interest is separate from the report about Hegseth, which says the defense secretary is not currently under consideration. The appointment is not expected until Blackburn takes office as governor in January. Blackburn won the Tennessee gubernatorial election and is serving her second Senate term. Her current Senate term runs through January 2031, and the person she appoints would serve the remainder of it. Retaining the seat until her...