By Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is considering a run for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat in 2026 following the announcement by incumbent Senator Gary Peters, a Democrat from Bloomfield Township, that he will not seek reelection. Peters’ decision has ignited widespread speculation about potential contenders, with Buttigieg emerging as a prominent name in the mix.
At 43, Buttigieg has been a key figure in Democratic politics since his 2020 presidential campaign and is now a Michigan resident, living in the resort town of Traverse City. Two sources close to him, speaking on condition of anonymity, have said he is actively exploring the possibility of a Senate bid, according to multiple reports.
Peters’ decision not to run has opened a significant opportunity for Michigan Democrats to nominate a high-profile candidate. While both Buttigieg and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer were initially considered strong prospects, Whitmer has since ruled herself out. This development potentially clears the way for Buttigieg to step forward as a leading contender, writes Axios.
Senator Gary Peters has served with great integrity, focus, and expertise. It was a pleasure working with him as Secretary to deliver good policies for our country and key transportation projects in Michigan,” Buttieg posted today on X.
Zoom in: Buttigieg rocketed to the top of the Democratic politics with his long-shot bid to become the party’s nominee in 2020, ultimately winning the Iowa caucuses.
The former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, had announced his plans to move to Michigan and raise his two young children in his husband’s home state.
In the 2024 election, Buttigieg helped former President Biden raise money, and he moonlighted as one the campaign’s top surrogates and fundraisers. Many donors interpreted his enthusiasm as a clear sign that he planned to run statewide in 2026 or for president in 2028.
Adrian Hemond, a Democratic strategist and CEO of Grassroots Midwest, told The Detroit News that Buttigieg is highly likely to run. Hemond points to Buttigieg’s strong national profile and established network of supporters, adding that the race will likely garner national attention due to Michigan’s recent competitive elections.
“This race is going to be instantly nationalized because of how close it was last year,” Hemond said. “Pete already has a national network.”
The former mayor of South Bend’s tenure as Secretary of Transportation, something important to Michiganders, did not go particularly well.
Buttigieg first gained national recognition during the 2020 Democratic primaries, where he briefly led in the Iowa caucuses before endorsing Joe Biden. His subsequent role as transportation secretary under Biden expanded his visibility and reinforced his position as a rising star in the Democratic Party. Since moving to northern Michigan with his husband, Chasten, who is from Traverse City, Buttigieg has remained noncommittal about his political future, stating earlier this year that he was keeping his options open.
He’s not exactly on the same page with the people of Michigan, however.
Reminder that Buttigieg probably doesn’t even know Michigan has an Upper Peninsula #MISEN https://t.co/X3xXSnC4ZI pic.twitter.com/VTrlU8qpy8
— Matthew Foldi (@MatthewFoldi) January 28, 2025
Despite his stature, it is unclear if Michigan Democrats will unite behind Buttigieg’s potential candidacy, as they did for Elissa Slotkin in the 2024 Senate race. Slotkin narrowly won that contest against Republican Mike Rogers in one of the most competitive races of the cycle. The Democratic primary for the 2026 Senate race is set for August, and Buttigieg’s entry would likely draw significant national attention and resources, positioning Michigan as a focal point in the upcoming election season.
The retirement of Peters took Democrats by surprise. “At 66,” wrote The New York Times, “Mr. Peters is relatively young for a senator stepping down. He had previously served three terms in the House and was also in the Navy Reserve.
In the video, Mr. Peters said that the ‘most important chapter in my life is a work in progress,’ including being a new grandfather.
The path for Democrats to take back the Senate in 2026 was already steep. Republicans now hold a majority with 53 seats, and with Vice President JD Vance serving as the tiebreaking vote, Democrats would need to win four seats.
The party has few pickup opportunities and is already set to defend the seat of Senator Jon Ossoff in Georgia.”
[Read More: GOP Finds Itself In Make Or Break Moment]
