Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) indicated Monday that he would reintroduce articles of impeachment against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth if Hegseth remains in the administration when Congress returns to Washington after the November midterm elections.

Massie addressed the possibility in a social media post after an unnamed reporter asked whether he would renew the impeachment effort when lawmakers return to Capitol Hill. “If he’s still SecDef,” Massie replied, using an abbreviation for secretary of defense.

Congress is expected to consider impeachment proceedings against Hegseth when lawmakers return next month. Impeachment is the constitutional process Congress can use to pursue a federal official’s removal from office.

Massie first initiated the effort in September, accusing Hegseth of conducting the U.S. war against Iran illegally and committing what the congressman described as “high crimes and misdemeanors.” Massie also alleged that Hegseth defied congressional orders to withdraw from the conflict and caused unnecessary civilian casualties. Those allegations are Massie’s claims and have not been established by an impeachment finding.

Democratic leaders have separately signaled plans to target Hegseth. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said Monday that Democrats would seek to force Hegseth out if they win control of the House in the midterm elections.

Senate Democrats have also discussed Hegseth’s removal as a potential condition in negotiations over defense-related legislation during the post-election lame-duck session. Some Republicans have expressed dissatisfaction with Hegseth’s leadership, particularly his decisions to remove senior military leaders, potentially creating bipartisan opposition to the secretary.

Massie has frequently criticized President Donald Trump’s administration and recently lost his Republican primary to a Trump-backed challenger. His departure from Congress will add uncertainty to the future of his impeachment effort, particularly if he leaves office before lawmakers take further action.