Army combat veteran challenging Mike Lawler calls Hegseth national security 'hazard,' backs impeachment

Democratic congressional candidate Cait Conley, a 16-year Army combat veteran challenging Republican Rep. Mike Lawler in New York's 17th Congressional District, said Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union" that she would support impeaching War Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of endangering U.S. national security.

Anchor Dana Bash asked Conley whether, if elected to Congress, she would support removing Hegseth from office amid recent scrutiny of his leadership at the Pentagon.

"I believe he has been a hazard to American national security and a disgrace to the office," Conley said. "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."

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Bash pressed Conley to clarify whether "removing" Hegseth meant she would actually vote for articles of impeachment against the Pentagon chief.

"Against Pete Hegseth for his failure to protect America? Yes," Conley replied.

Lawler campaign manager Ciro Riccardi seized on the impeachment declaration in a statement to Fox News Digital on Sunday, linking it to his campaign’s broader criticism of Conley following her appearance on CNN.

"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," Riccardi said.

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Conley's declaration came months after House Democrats formally introduced six articles of impeachment against Hegseth, accusing him of high crimes and misdemeanors over his handling of the Iran war, military strikes on alleged drug vessels, his use of Signal to discuss military operations, congressional oversight and other matters.

Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson dismissed that effort in an April statement to Fox News Digital and said Hegseth would remain focused on the department’s mission.

"This is just another Democrat trying to make headlines as the Department of War decisively and overwhelmingly achieved the president's objectives in Iran," Wilson said. "Secretary Hegseth will continue to protect the homeland and project peace through strength. This is just another charade in an attempt to distract the American people from the major successes we have had here at the Department of War."

Hegseth has also rejected previous waves of criticism surrounding his leadership. Amid calls for his removal following scrutiny of his use of Signal in 2025, Hegseth accused critics and the media of relying on disgruntled former employees to damage his reputation.

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"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," Hegseth said at the time. "It’s not going to work with me."

Pressure on Hegseth has more recently crossed party lines. Outgoing Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., called on President Donald Trump last week to replace Hegseth following Army Secretary Dan Driscoll's resignation.

"I urge the President to find a new leader at the Pentagon who will retain and empower our military talent rather than diminish it," Tillis said.

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The White House pushed back on Tillis’ criticism in a statement to Fox News Digital, saying Trump remained firmly behind Hegseth.

"The President has complete trust in Secretary Hegseth, who is doing an incredible job leading the Pentagon," White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said.

Driscoll’s departure followed reported tensions with Hegseth over Army leadership and modernization. A source familiar with the situation told Fox News Digital that Driscoll had raised concerns about Hegseth blocking Army transformation efforts by removing generals involved in them. Driscoll, however, publicly praised Hegseth upon leaving office, saying the Army’s progress would not have been possible without his support.

Fox News Digital reached out to Hegseth's office, the White House and Conley for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.