Hegseth fired Nancy Lacore. Now he could help her get to Congress

Key Points:

• Vice Admiral Nancy Lacore, fired by Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth after 35 years in the Navy, is running for Congress in South Carolina’s 1st District as a Democrat, using her campaign to criticize Hegseth’s military leadership and his role in the unpopular Iran war.
• Hegseth, a controversial figure due to scandals including misuse of messaging apps, attempts to livestream an execution, and pushing evangelical Christianity within the Pentagon, has become a focal point for Democratic attacks ahead of the midterms.
• Lacore’s district, traditionally Republican, has become competitive, with polls showing a tight race against GOP nominee Jenny Honeycutt, partly fueled by voter concerns over Hegseth’s management and the politicization of the military.
• Democrats have pledged oversight of the Pentagon if they regain control, with some Republicans like Rep. Thomas Massie already introducing articles of impeachment against Hegseth for continuing the Iran war without congressional approval.
• Despite criticism from both parties, President Trump continues to defend Hegseth, while Democrats and some Republicans call for his removal, viewing him as emblematic of broader military and political issues affecting voter sentiment.