Buttigieg Mulls Senate Run in Michigan as Peters Prepares to Vacate Seat
Pete Buttigieg, the former Secretary of Transportation and one-time presidential hopeful, is seriously considering a run for the Senate in Michigan, his adopted home state. Buttigieg acknowledged his interest in the emerging race to succeed Senator Gary Peters, a Democrat who announced in January that he would not seek re-election in 2026, ending his two-term tenure.
"I’ve been looking at it," Buttigieg stated in a recent interview, confirming his contemplation of entering the political arena once again. He further elaborated on his future plans during an appearance on CBS’ "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," emphasizing his dedication to public service. "I’m going to continue to work on the things that I care about," Buttigieg said, adding, "I have not decided what that means professionally, whether that means running for office soon or not. But I will make myself useful."
The seriousness of Buttigieg’s consideration was underscored by a recent meeting with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party. This interaction suggests that Buttigieg is actively engaging with key political players and assessing the viability of a potential Senate campaign in the pivotal Great Lakes state.
Buttigieg, a 43-year-old veteran of the Navy Reserve and former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, gained national prominence during his 2020 presidential campaign. Despite being initially considered a long-shot candidate, his campaign resonated with voters, propelling him to a narrow victory in the Iowa caucuses and a strong second-place finish in the New Hampshire primary. Ultimately, Buttigieg, along with other Democratic contenders, suspended his campaign and endorsed Joe Biden, who went on to secure the Democratic nomination and win the presidency.
Following his presidential bid, Buttigieg served as Biden’s Secretary of Transportation for four years, further solidifying his presence on the national stage. As a millennial Democrat, Buttigieg remains a popular figure within the party, recognized for his articulate communication skills and forward-thinking policy perspectives.
Buttigieg’s interest in the Michigan Senate seat aligns with his expressed desire to remain engaged in public service. In a December radio interview, he hinted at the possibility of seeking elected office, stating, "I will find ways to make myself useful, and maybe that’s running for office, and maybe that’s not. I’ll take the next few weeks and months to work through that."
Sources familiar with Buttigieg’s thinking confirmed his serious consideration of a Senate run shortly after Peters announced his retirement. "Pete is exploring all of his options on how he can be helpful and continue to serve… he’s honored to be mentioned for this, and he’s taking a serious look," one source revealed.
Since his 2020 presidential campaign, Buttigieg and his husband, Chasten, have relocated from Indiana to Michigan, establishing a home in Traverse City. This move further underscores Buttigieg’s commitment to the state and his potential interest in representing Michigan in the Senate.
However, Buttigieg is not the only Democrat eyeing Peters’ seat. State Senator Mallory McMorrow is also expected to launch a campaign. McMorrow gained national recognition for her impassioned floor speech in the Michigan Senate, which served as a powerful response to Republican attacks. Other prominent Democrats who have expressed interest in the race include two-term Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Congresswoman Haley Stevens.
On the Republican side, former Representative Mike Rogers has already announced his strong consideration of a second consecutive Senate run in Michigan. Rogers secured the 2024 Republican Senate nomination but narrowly lost to Representative Elissa Slotkin, the Democratic nominee, in the election to succeed retiring Senator Debbie Stabenow. Slotkin, who significantly outspent Rogers, won by a slim margin of approximately 19,000 votes, or a third of a percentage point.
Rogers, a former FBI special agent and chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, brings significant experience to the race. Other Republicans who may potentially enter the fray include Representative John James, a two-term congressman who was the GOP Senate nominee in Michigan in 2018 and 2020, and Representative Bill Huizenga, a longtime member of Congress.
The Michigan Senate race is currently considered a "Toss Up" by the Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan political analysis organization. The Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, having gained four seats from the Democrats in the recent elections.
Historically, the party in power tends to face challenges in midterm elections. As such, the Democrats will be looking to regain ground in the 2026 elections. In addition to Michigan, Republicans are also targeting vulnerable Democratic senators in Georgia, where Jon Ossoff is up for re-election, and potentially in New Hampshire, where Jeanne Shaheen has yet to announce her plans. The GOP is also setting its sights on Minnesota, where Tina Smith will not seek re-election.
Conversely, Democrats are planning to challenge Republican senators in Maine, where Susan Collins is up for re-election, North Carolina, where Thom Tillis is running for another term, and potentially in Ohio, where Jon Husted was appointed to succeed Vice President JD Vance in the Senate.
The decision by Pete Buttigieg on whether to seek the open Senate seat in Michigan will significantly impact the landscape of the 2026 election cycle. His entry into the race would undoubtedly elevate the profile of the contest and attract considerable national attention. As Buttigieg weighs his options and assesses his prospects, the political world eagerly awaits his decision. The race to replace Gary Peters promises to be a closely watched and highly competitive battleground in the fight for control of the United States Senate.
