Pete Buttigieg Considers Senate Run in Michigan After Gary Peters' Announcement
Former Secretary of Transportation and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg is not ruling out a possible Senate run in Michigan in 2026. This comes after Sen. Gary Peters decided not to seek re-election.
A source familiar with Buttigieg's thinking stated, "Pete is exploring all of his options on how he can be helpful and continue to serve."
Buttigieg's interest in running for Senate was initially reported by Axios.
Peters, in an interview with the Detroit News, expressed his rationale for stepping aside, saying, "I always thought there would be a time that I would step aside and pass the reins for the next generation."
He added, "I also never saw service in Congress as something you do your whole life," reflecting on his earlier years in politics.
Peters has served as the chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee twice and played a key role in the Senate win of Elissa Slotkin in Michigan.
In response to Peters' decision, David Bergstein, a spokesperson for the DSCC, stated, "No Republican has won a Michigan Senate race in 30 years," asserting confidence that Democrats will maintain the seat in 2026.
In a contrasting view, Tim Scott, the National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman, criticized Peters, stating that Michigan would be better off without his leadership.
