Hegseth's failed impeachment was a warning to Democrats. Where will they go from here?

Analysis

Congress

Hegseth's failed impeachment was a warning to Democrats. Where will they go from here? November 14, 20265:00 AM ET

Domenico Montanaro

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., speaks during a news conference on Nov. 4, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Tom Brenner/Getty Images hide caption

Tom Brenner/Getty Images

Democrats are not in the majority yet, but the first post-election test of their ability to get things done was a failure.

The House was unable to advance an impeachment effort of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Eleven Democrats were no-shows for the vote. Based on the math in this vote: If those 11 had been there and if no more Republicans showed up, the attempt would have gone forward.