Democratic Candidate Cait Conley Supports Impeachment of War Secretary Pete Hegseth

<p>Democratic congressional candidate Cait Conley, a 16-year Army combat veteran, is challenging Republican Rep. Mike Lawler in New York's 17th Congressional District. On CNN's "State of the Union" on September 6, 2026, Conley stated that she would support impeaching War Secretary Pete Hegseth, claiming he endangers U.S. national security.</p><p>Anchor Dana Bash inquired if Conley would support removing Hegseth from office amid scrutiny of his leadership at the Pentagon. Conley responded, "I believe he has been a hazard to American national security and a disgrace to the office. I would absolutely support removing him from office because his actions and decisions are failing service members who have sworn an oath to this country and deserve respect."</p><p>Bash pressed Conley to clarify if "removing" Hegseth meant she would vote for articles of impeachment against him. Conley affirmed, saying, "Against Pete Hegseth for his failure to protect America? Yes."</p><p>Lawler's campaign manager, Ciro Riccardi, responded to Conley's impeachment declaration, linking it to broader criticism of her campaign. He stated, "Cait Conley’s refusal to disavow Zohran Mamdani and the DSA is disqualifying. She is just as extreme as the rest and that was exposed today for all to see, including embracing impeachment."</p><p>Conley's statement follows House Democrats' introduction of six articles of impeachment against Hegseth, accusing him of high crimes and misdemeanors related to his handling of the Iran war, military operations, and congressional oversight.</p><p>Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson dismissed the impeachment efforts, stating, "This is just another Democrat trying to make headlines as the Department of War decisively and overwhelmingly achieved the president's objectives in Iran. Secretary Hegseth will continue to protect the homeland and project peace through strength."</p><p>Hegseth has previously rejected criticism of his leadership, accusing critics of relying on disgruntled former employees to damage his reputation. He stated, "This is what the media does. They take anonymous sources from disgruntled former employees, and then they try to slash and burn people and ruin their reputations. It’s not going to work with me."</p><p>Pressure on Hegseth has also come from within the Republican Party. Outgoing Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., recently called on President Donald Trump to replace Hegseth following Army Secretary Dan Driscoll's resignation. Tillis urged the President to find a new leader at the Pentagon who would empower military talent.</p><p>The White House responded to Tillis’ criticism, stating that Trump has complete trust in Hegseth, who is doing an incredible job leading the Pentagon. Driscoll's resignation followed reported tensions with Hegseth regarding Army leadership and modernization efforts. A source indicated that Driscoll had raised concerns about Hegseth blocking Army transformation efforts, although Driscoll publicly praised Hegseth upon leaving office.</p><p>Fox News Digital reached out to Hegseth's office, the White House, and Conley for comment but did not receive an immediate response.</p>