Pete Buttigieg Tuesday said he is considering a Democratic run for U.S. Senate in Michigan after Sen. Gary Peters announced he won’t run for reelection in 2026.
The trailblazing former presidential candidate and transportation secretary, who moved to Michigan in recent years with his family, is reportedly “seriously considering” jumping into the race to replace Peters in what would likely be a very competitive primary and general election race in the battleground state.
“Pete is exploring all of his options on how he can be helpful and continue to serve,” a person close to Buttigieg told Axios. “He’s taking a serious look.”
Buttigieg, who was mayor of South Bend, Indiana, moved to his husband Chasten’s home state of Michigan in 2020 after losing to President Biden in the Democratic primary that same year.
He has sought to build his political profile in his new home state and has won plaudits for his ability to reach across the aisle including successful appearances on conservative leaning Fox News. But he could face accusations of carpetbagging.
The surprise retirement announcement by Peters creates a highly contested battleground seat that will almost certainly attract a strong crowd of candidates from both parties.
“After three terms in the House and two terms in the Senate, I believe now is time for me to write a few more paragraphs in my current chapter and then turn over the reins,” Peters said in a video announcement. “I will therefore not seek reelection in 2026.”
Peters had been considered to be a strong candidate to repel any GOP challenge in 2026. Without an incumbent, Democrats may struggle to hold the seat, although they have a number of strong potential candidates.
Other potential Democratic contenders for the Senate seat could include Rep. Haley Stevens, Rep. Hillary Scholten and veteran Rep. Debbie Dingell. State Sen. Mallory McMorrow, whose profile rose after a viral floor speech she gave in 2022, could also be in the mix.
The political environment may favor Team Blue with Republicans facing a tricky midterm in President Trump’s final term in the White House.
Still, the unexpected fight for Peters’ seat could complicate Democrats’ difficult effort to regain control of the chamber in 2026 or at least set themselves up to do so in 2028.
Republicans already hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate and control the White House, meaning Vice President JD Vance can cast tie-breaking votes. Democrats would have to pick up four seats to flip the chamber.
The only Republican-held seats that look to be realistic targets for Democrats are Sen. Susan Collins in Maine and North Carolina’s Sen. Thom Tillis.
Peters’ move sets up an unusual double-barreled midterm election in the state.
Popular Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is barred by from running again due to term limits. A potential 2028 presidential contender, she said she wasn’t interested in running for Peters’ Senate seat.
