Democrats Explain Missing Pete Hegseth Vote
Democrats cited traffic and heart surgery for missing the vote to impeach Pete Hegseth.
November 12, 2026 · Updated 3:39pm ET
HuffPostFox News' Liberal Host Scolds Democrats’ ‘Embarrassing And Bad’ Impeachment Fumble
The HillHouse Democrat apologizes for missing Hegseth vote: ‘There is no one who is more disappointed in myself than me’
New York PostDemocratic House lawmaker gets emotional as she blames rush hour traffic for missing Hegseth impeachment vote
Los Angeles TimesCommentary: One week: How long it took Democrats to let us down
SemaforExclusive: Some Democrats want to pump the brakes on Hegseth impeachment
FOX NewsHouse Dem misses Hegseth impeachment vote because of major medical procedure one week after Election Day
The New York TimesDesi Lydic Chides Democrats Who Missed Hegseth’s Impeachment Vote
TownhallHouse Dems Botching the Hegseth Impeachment Vote Is Really Getting Under Their Skin
MEDIAite‘It Wasn’t a Traffic Jam’: TMZ DC Reporter Accuses House Dem of Lying, ‘Purposely’ Missing Hegseth Impeachment Vote
Just the NewsDemocratic House lawmaker blames traffic for missing Hegseth impeachment vote: 'I am so sorry'
Daily BeastDem Roasted After âSorryâ Post for Botching Hegseth Vote
Daily MailDemocrat caught right outside Capitol during Hegseth impeachment vote
Epoch TimesDemocrats Apologize After Missing Vote on Hegseth Impeachment Effort
ZeroHedge11 Democrats Skipped The Vote That Buried Hegseth's 'Fake' Impeachment
Patriot PostDemocrats’ Sham Hegseth Impeachment Weakens America
29%
Left · 5
12%
Center · 2
59%
Right · 10
Pano rates the coverage Leans Right.
What happened
- Democrats offered explanations and apologies after 11 of their House members missed Tuesday’s procedural vote on an effort to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
- The House voted 211-204 to send Republican Rep. Thomas Massie
Thomas MassieAmerican politician’s impeachment resolution to the Judiciary CommitteeHouse Committee on the JudiciaryStanding committee of the United States House of Representatives, effectively shelving allegations that included waging war against Iran without congressional approval. - Rep. Melanie Stansbury
Melanie StansburyUnited States Representative from New Mexico since 2021 apologized and said heavy traffic and a police motorcade prevented her from reaching the House chamber before voting ended. - Rep. Lou Correa
Lou CorreaAmerican politician in California (born 1958) said he underwent emergency open-heart surgery that day, while Rep. Steven Horsford cited a personal emergency and accepted responsibility for his absence. - Some Democrats, including Rep. Adam Smith, now urge caution about pursuing impeachment next year, though another lawmaker could force a vote regardless of party leaders’ wishes.
How the left told it
Left-leaning outlets emphasized anger and disappointment over Democrats’ missed votes. HuffPost highlighted commentator Jessica Tarlov calling the episode “embarrassing and bad,” while Los Angeles Times commentary accused Democrats of letting voters down just a week after their election gains.
How the right told it
Right-leaning outlets emphasized Democrats’ explanations and the criticism their absences drew. The New York Post highlighted Stansbury’s emotional apology and traffic explanation, while Townhall called the episode “comedic.” Fox News also detailed Correa’s emergency heart surgery, documenting a medical reason for his absence.
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Part of the storyline · Storyline →- Nov 12Democrats Explain Missing Pete Hegseth Vote (this story)Leans Right
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- Nov 11Pete Hegseth Group WarnedMostly Left
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