Image Source: The Washington Post

Pete Hegseth was scheduled to travel to Iowa on Monday to deliver remarks, meet with veterans and campaign for Republican candidates, according to sources who spoke with CBS News. The planned visit comes as Republicans work to protect several seats in Congress during a competitive 2026 election cycle.

The appearance would give Hegseth a visible role in partisan campaigning while he serves as defense secretary. Pentagon spokespeople did not immediately respond to a request for comment, according to CBS News.

Pete Hegseth to Make Unusual Iowa Campaign Appearance

Hegseth was expected to appear at an event supporting Rep. Zach Nunn, an Iowa Republican who also serves as a colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Nunn has represented his district in Congress since 2023 after nearly two decades of military service.

The planned event is part of a broader Republican effort to mobilize high-profile Trump administration officials in Iowa. In recent days, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins and NATO official Matt Whitaker have also scheduled stops in the state.

Although Iowa has voted Republican in recent election cycles, Democrats are expressing confidence about their candidates and organizing efforts. The state is expected to feature several closely watched contests, including two competitive House races, an open Senate race and an open governor’s race.

Why Zach Nunn’s Race Matters

Nunn’s reelection campaign is drawing attention because his district is viewed as vulnerable despite its Republican lean. He won in 2024 by four percentage points, and the Cook Political Report rates the seat as lean Republican.

That rating suggests Republicans currently hold an advantage, but the race is not considered secure. A campaign visit by Hegseth could help Nunn appeal to veterans, national security voters and supporters of the Trump administration.

Nunn’s military background may also make him a natural fit for an event featuring the defense secretary. Hegseth’s planned remarks were expected to highlight service, national defense and the importance of retaining Republican control of the district.

Miller-Meeks Contest Rated a Toss-Up

Another major Iowa House contest involves Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, who has represented the state’s 1st Congressional District since 2021. The Cook Political Report rates her race as a toss-up.

Miller-Meeks is facing Christine Bohannan, the same Democratic candidate who challenged her in 2022 and 2024. Miller-Meeks narrowly held onto her seat in 2024, defeating Bohannan by just 798 votes.

The race could become even more complicated with the participation of independent candidate Michael Bridgford. Bridgford describes himself as a “normal person” rejecting traditional party politics, a message that could appeal to voters dissatisfied with both major parties.

With such a narrow previous margin, both parties are likely to invest heavily in the district. A visit from a senior Trump administration official could energize Republican voters, while Democrats may use the appearance to argue that national political figures are intruding on a local contest.

A Rare Role for a Sitting Defense Secretary

It is highly unusual for a sitting defense secretary to campaign directly for candidates. Previous defense secretaries have generally avoided partisan campaign events while serving in the Pentagon’s top civilian position.

Hegseth’s planned Iowa appearance follows other politically charged travel. Last week, he visited South Carolina for a ceremony connected to the renaming of Joint Base Charleston. The event took place near a Republican special primary involving candidates seeking to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham on the ticket, according to CBS News’ account.

Earlier this year, Hegseth also traveled to northern Kentucky to support Republican Ed Gallrein in a primary challenge against Rep. Thomas Massie. Gallrein won that primary after receiving support from President Trump. Massie had publicly opposed the war in Iran and certain U.S. policies involving aid to Israel.

Hegseth’s growing presence in campaign settings reflects the administration’s broader strategy of using cabinet officials to support preferred candidates. The approach could provide Republican campaigns with additional visibility, fundraising momentum and access to the president’s political base.

What the Iowa Visit Could Signal

The planned trip highlights the importance of Iowa in the 2026 midterm elections. Even in a state that has leaned Republican in recent cycles, close margins and open statewide contests have created opportunities for both parties.

For Republicans, the goal is to prevent Democratic gains in Congress and maintain support among rural voters, veterans and conservative communities. For Democrats, the competitive races offer a chance to challenge incumbents who may be more vulnerable than their party’s recent performance suggests.

Whether Hegseth’s appearance becomes a one-time campaign stop or part of a larger political schedule remains unclear. Still, his participation demonstrates how closely national security figures and election strategy are becoming connected ahead of the midterms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Pete Hegseth going to Iowa?

Pete Hegseth was scheduled to visit Iowa to give remarks, speak with veterans and campaign for Republican candidates as the party works to protect congressional seats.

Which candidate is Hegseth expected to support?

Hegseth was expected to appear at an event for Rep. Zach Nunn, a Republican whose Iowa House seat is rated lean Republican by the Cook Political Report.

Is Mariannette Miller-Meeks facing a competitive race?

Yes. The Cook Political Report rates Miller-Meeks’ race as a toss-up. She is facing Democrat Christine Bohannan after defeating her by 798 votes in 2024.

Is it common for a defense secretary to campaign?

No. It is highly unusual for a sitting defense secretary to campaign directly for candidates because the position traditionally maintains distance from partisan election activity.