Democrats lambast absent peers allowing Republicans to squash Hegseth impeachment attempt

The impeachment effort against Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Defense Secretary, was defeated Tuesday evening. The vote was a procedural measure to determine whether eight articles of impeachment should be considered by the House Judiciary Committee.

The effort was defeated by a narrow margin of 211-204. This outcome was directly influenced by the absence of eleven Democratic lawmakers, who failed to attend the crucial vote.

The articles of impeachment, introduced by Republican Representative Thomas Massie, included charges that Hegseth had violated congressional authority by waging war in Iran.

The defeat of the impeachment effort came shortly after voters overwhelmingly cast ballots for Democratic candidates in the 2026 midterms. This election was largely a rebuke of the Trump administration’s policies, including the war in Iran.

Many of the Democrats who missed the vote offered explanations for their absence. Some blamed traffic and conflicting events, while others accused House Speaker Mike Johnson of closing the vote early.

Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove of California said there was "no reason why we should have lost this vote because of attendance issues."

Representative Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico wrote on X that she was "blocked from entering the Capitol to vote due to a traffic incident and a police escort of a bus during the vote."

When she reached the chamber, the vote had just givenled out. She immediately filed a report of her vote of 'NO' to the motion meant to kill the impeachment articles and refer them to the Judiciary Committee, as documented in the Congressional Record.

Representative Julia Brownley of California wrote on Facebook that Johnson "closed the vote" before she could make it to the House floor.

Representative Laura Gillen of New York similarly wrote on X that she too was stuck in traffic but "strongly" believes Hegseth should be impeached.

Representative Jonathan Jackson of Illinois wrote on X that he also was stuck behind the traffic jam.

Representative Brittany Pettersen of California wrote on X that she was "denied" the ability to vote. A member of Pettersen’s office later told 9News she too was stuck in traffic.

Representative Marilyn Strickland of Washington missed the vote by one minute because she was stuck behind a motorcade, but that she would have voted to impeach Hegseth, Strickland’s office told Politico.

Representative Nancy Pelosi of California missed the vote because she was in San Francisco to meet with local veterans and accept a Lifetime Advocate for Veterans Award, Pelosi’s spokesperson told SFGate.

Representative Lou Correa of California wrote on Instagram that he was undergoing a medical procedure and remaining in his district until he was medically cleared.

Representative Steven Horsford of Nevada, Representative Haley Stevens of Michigan, and Representative Frederica Wilson of Florida did not provide public reasons for their absence on Tuesday.

Several Democratic lawmakers who did vote on the effort to impeach Hegseth noted that they were also busy with other life events but still made their way to the Capitol.

Representative Pat Ryan of New York wrote on X that he was recovering from back surgery but left the hospital early in order to cast his vote.