Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the day of the funeral service for late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) at Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 28, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's record of blunders and controversial statements is becoming a central point of attack.
According to Politico, Democratic candidates in the upcoming midterm elections are targeting Hegseth.
Democratic strategists view him as a target-rich subject for undermining GOP opponents, with his television celebrity status and extensive controversy providing ammunition in key districts.
Democratic strategist Matt Corridoni noted Hegseth has "pushed it into hyper politics," making him increasingly useful as a political foil.
"The more Hegseth puts himself out there, the more he does the work for us," he told Politico.
Campaign planners expect Democratic candidates to intensify criticism as the five-month-long war against Iran continues, citing Hegseth's role as a vocal proponent.
Iraq war veteran Cait Conley, running for New York's 17th District, described Hegseth as unqualified and incompetent. Navy veteran Rebecca Bennett, running for New Jersey's 7th District, has made Hegseth's resignation a campaign centerpiece, calling him a threat to military integrity and service members.
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