Democratic military veterans are targeting Pete Hegseth on the campaign trail, accusing him of politicizing military institutions and making dangerous policy decisions. The group, calling themselves "The Hell Cats," are using their opposition to Hegseth as a key message to voters.
Democratic military veterans are leveraging opposition to Pete Hegseth as a campaign issue, aiming to resonate with voters concerned about the politicization of military institutions and specific foreign policy decisions.
Pete Hegseth has become a target for Democratic military veterans on the campaign trail, who accuse him of making dangerous policy decisions and corrupting traditionally apolitical military institutions. Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot running for New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, has called for Hegseth's resignation, stating he is a "disgrace" and "deeply dangerous" due to the polarization he allegedly fosters.
Voters are reportedly connecting with the message against Hegseth, particularly concerning his role in directing U.S. military operations in the Iran war. Bennett stated that people are "really upset with the Iran war."
Bennett is part of a group of four female Democratic military veterans running for the House, who have dubbed themselves "The Hell Cats." The group, which also includes JoAnna Mendoza and Maura Sullivan, has made their opposition to Hegseth a central theme of their campaigns, believing the country needs leaders of character to steer it in the right direction.