Rep.-elect Richard Ojeda (D-N.C.), an Army veteran who defeated House GOP Campaign Chair Richard Hudson in North Carolina's 9th District, stated that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth should "absolutely" be impeached. Ojeda's call for impeachment follows his victory in the 2026 midterm elections, where he cited the need for accountability regarding the Trump administration's military operations abroad.
CBS News projected Ojeda's win, noting that Hudson conceded the race on Wednesday. Ojeda, who previously served as a state senator in West Virginia and ran unsuccessfully for federal office in the last decade before moving to North Carolina, framed his campaign around military leadership issues. His defeat of Hudson, a top Republican strategist, contributes to a broader shift in the House majority, with CBS News projecting that Democrats will take control of the chamber in January.
What the Left Is Saying
Democrats and progressive allies have highlighted Ojeda's background as an Army veteran as a decisive factor in his campaign against a Republican incumbent. Ojeda stated in an interview with CNN that "I absolutely think that this administration definitely needs to be investigated," specifically linking the need for investigation to calls for accountability over military operations. This perspective aligns with broader Democratic narratives in the midterms that emphasized oversight of executive branch conduct, particularly in defense and foreign policy.
What the Right Is Saying
President Trump has publicly defended Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, stating he has "every intention" of keeping him in the job. In remarks reported by ABC News' Jon Karl, Trump said, "I get these calls, you know, about him. I don't understand why." While Trump acknowledged that confirming a new defense secretary might be easier before the Democratic majority takes over in January, he has resisted immediate removal. Vice President JD Vance attributed the Republican losses in the midterms to the Iran war, suggesting that military outcomes rather than personnel issues drove the electoral shift.
What the Numbers Show
CBS News projected that Richard Ojeda defeated Richard Hudson in North Carolina's 9th District. Hudson, who chaired the National Republican Congressional Committee, conceded the race on Wednesday. The victory is part of a larger trend where CBS News projects Democrats will secure a majority in the House. In other races, CBS News projected Democratic wins in Arizona's 6th District (JoAnna Mendoza over Juan Ciscomani) and Colorado's 5th District (Jessica Killin over Jeff Crank). The source material does not provide specific polling data on Hegseth's impeachment popularity, but notes that Trump is aware of calls regarding his removal.
The Bottom Line
The election results have shifted the balance of power in Washington, with Democrats projected to take the House majority. This shift increases the likelihood of oversight actions, including potential impeachment proceedings against cabinet members like Hegseth, as advocated by newly elected Democrats such as Ojeda. President Trump's continued support for Hegseth sets up a potential conflict between the executive branch and the incoming House majority. Results remain projections and may change as final counts are certified.