Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is reportedly seeking an appointment to the U.S. Senate from Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee if she wins the state’s gubernatorial election, according to a Sunday report from Puck News. The potential move could give Hegseth a path out of the Trump administration as congressional Democrats consider impeachment proceedings against him.

Puck reporters Leigh Ann Caldwell and Marianna Sotomayor reported that Hegseth has been trying to persuade Blackburn to select him as her replacement should she become governor. The report characterized the effort as Capitol Hill chatter rather than a confirmed agreement.

Democrats in the House are reportedly building support for impeaching Hegseth when Congress returns after the November midterm elections. The prospect has prompted discussion among Republicans about how his tenure at the Pentagon could end. Some Republicans reportedly hope President Donald Trump will dismiss Hegseth before Democrats can advance impeachment, while others believe Hegseth could resign before the Senate is forced to address the matter.

Hegseth has also drawn attention to his ties to Tennessee. Earlier this month, he attended a University of Tennessee football game against Alabama alongside Blackburn and Republican Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee. The appearance fueled speculation about his political future as Blackburn campaigns for governor.

Burchett is another potential contender for Blackburn’s Senate seat. According to a person familiar with his intentions cited by Puck News, the congressman has campaigned for Blackburn in every county in Tennessee. Hegseth, meanwhile, lived in the state for three years before taking over the Pentagon, though questions remain about whether his relatively brief time there would strengthen his prospects for an appointment.

Blackburn has said she intends to appoint her successor if she wins the governor’s race and leaves the Senate. She has indicated that she would remain in the Senate until she is sworn in as governor in January. The timing of any resignation could affect when the seat becomes vacant and which state official has the authority to fill it.

The Pentagon has previously pushed back against speculation that Hegseth is pursuing another political position. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told Axios that Hegseth’s focus was leading the Department of War and dismissed suggestions that he was seeking a different role.

No Senate appointment or departure from the administration has been announced. Hegseth’s reported interest in Blackburn’s seat remains unconfirmed, as the possibility of a congressional impeachment battle adds uncertainty to his future at the Pentagon.