Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has privately discussed the idea of running for political office next year in Tennessee, according to two people who have spoken directly with him about it.
If Hegseth were to follow through on the discussions, it would amount to a major leadership shake-up at the department that oversees the American military and millions of federal employees. The Defense Department bars civilian employees from running for political office, meaning Hegseth would have to resign to do so.
I would defend Tennessee at least partially. Tennessee is home to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory which houses the world’s second largest supercomputer (Frontier). Scientists from across the world to come work there every year. These scientists are woefully out numbered by everyone else like you said, but some of the brightest minds are in fact in Tennessee.