Army combat veteran challenging Mike Lawler calls Hegseth national security 'hazard,' backs impeachment Cait Conley, a 16-year Army veteran challenging Rep. Mike Lawler, says she would vote for articles of impeachment against Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon. 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"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"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. " Democratic congressional candidate Cait Conley said she would support impeaching War Secretary Pete Hegseth, calling him a"hazard to American national security. "Bash pressed Conley to clarify whether"removing" Hegseth meant she would actually vote for articles of impeachment against the Pentagon chief.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 "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.Conley, a 16-year Army combat veteran, said Hegseth had been a"disgrace to the office" and backed removing him over what she called a failure to protect America. 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,Mike Lawler’s campaign criticized Conley’s impeachment position, accusing the Democratic challenger of embracing the party’s more progressive wing."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. ""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. 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.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. CJ joined Fox News Digital's team in 2026, which highlights the vital role journalism plays in shaping politics and culture. He has years of experience analyzing and reporting on the news media. CJ graduated from Long Beach State University in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Journalism.