# Democrats target Hegseth over war and prices

> Democrats use Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as a political liability in midterm races.
- Title: Democrats target Hegseth over war and prices · Seattletimes
- Summary: Democrats use Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as a political liability in midterm races. Democrats are attacking Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to weaken…
- Keywords: democrats, pete hegseth, war with iran, high prices, midterm elections, congressional races, defense secretary, iran war, unpopular policies, news, local, target
- Source: Seattletimes — https://seattletimes.com/nation-world/hegseth-singled-out-in-democrats-campaign-attacks-for-war-and-high-prices
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: democrats, pete hegseth, war with iran, high prices, midterm elections, congressional races, defense secretary, iran war, unpopular policies, news, local
## Democrats attack Hegseth
Democratic candidates in Colorado and California target Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for his role in the Iran war and high prices.

> One of the first things we’re going to do in the majority, we’re going to run Pete Hegseth out of town.
## Hegseth as political liability
Democrats are using Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as a liability for Republicans in midterm elections.
## Manny Rutinel's video
Manny Rutinel, a Democrat challenging Rep. Gabe Evans in Colorado, posted unflattering footage of Hegseth working out with troops.

> This man is letting Trump raise your gas prices.
## Marni von Wilpert's criticism
Marni von Wilpert, a city council member running against Jim Desmond in San Diego, accused Hegseth of supporting a war that harms military families.

> Secretary Hegseth owes their families answers about the deplorable conditions on board, not a photo op.
## Hegseth's military appearances
Hegseth campaigned for Ed Gallrein and appeared at the Iowa State Fair with Rep. Zach Nunn, drawing veteran criticism.

> That line of the military as an institution, you know, that military loyalty is to the Constitution, not to a political party, and that line getting blurred, I think, is concerning.
## Military candidates criticize Hegseth
Leela Gray, Cait Conley, and JoAnna Mendoza, military candidates, called Hegseth an unqualified frat boy, disgrace, and critic of women in the military.

> Pete Hegseth is helping Trump start an unplanned forever war while Americans struggle here at home.
## Hegseth's approval ratings
A Quinnipiac University poll found 32% of voters approved of Hegseth’s performance as defense secretary, while 57% disapproved.
## Hegseth's role in Iran war
Hegseth supported the Iran war, which Democrats blame for higher prices Americans pay at the pump.
## Hegseth's military leadership
Hegseth praised the USS Abraham Lincoln after its deployment, despite reports of deteriorating morale and suicide attempts.
## Hegseth's political strategy
Hegseth has sought political spotlight through personal appearances, drawing criticism from veterans.
## Republican response
Republicans argue that attacking Hegseth won’t move voters outside of Washington, D.C.

> Going after Secretary Hegseth, a decorated combat veteran, won’t move the needle outside of D.C.
## Hegseth's influence on elections
Hegseth’s presence has posed a dilemma for Republicans struggling with voter backlash over the Iran war.
## Hegseth's removal debate
Democrats have raised the idea of removing Hegseth from office, though impeachment would require a majority in the House and two-thirds in the Senate.
## Hegseth's campaign appearances
Hegseth campaigned for Ed Gallrein and appeared at the Iowa State Fair with Rep. Zach Nunn, drawing veteran criticism.
## Key takeaway

Democrats are attacking Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to weaken Republicans in midterm elections by linking him to unpopular war policies and high prices.