Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is eyeing a potential bid to represent Michigan in the US Senate after Democrat Gary Peters announced Tuesday he would not seek a third term, leaving open one of the most competitive seats in the 2026 cycle.
“Pete is exploring all of his options on how he can be helpful and continue to serve,” a person close to the ex-South Bend, Ind. mayor and 2020 presidential candidate told Axios.
“He’s honored to be mentioned for this and he’s taking a serious look.”
Buttigieg paid tribute to Peters, 66, in a post on X, writing: “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. Thankful for his leadership, and wishing him and Colleen all the best.”
Peters said in a video message that he is ready to “start a “new chapter,” but “will not just walk away” from politics.
“I plan to actively campaign to ensure we elect a dynamic Democratic candidate to be the next US Senator from Michigan,” he promised.
“I am leaving Congress, but I am not retiring. I look forward to writing many more chapters when my term ends,” he continued. “One of them will be me finding endless twisting back roads where I can experience the joy of total freedom riding my Harley Davidson motorcycle on a warm sunny day.”
Peters was elected to the Senate in 2014 after six years in the House of Representatives. In 2020, he narrowly won a second term, defeating now-Rep. John James (R-Mich.) by 1.68 percentage points.
The Wolverine State has not elected a Republican senator since Spencer Abraham in 1994.
However, Peters’ unexpected decision has the GOP dreaming of capturing a seat it has not held since 1979.
Buttigieg, 43, changed his residency to Michigan, his husband Chasten’s home state, in 2022.
Some observers have previously suggested the former DOT chief could run for governor in 2026, with incumbent Democrat Gretchen Whitmer barred by law from seeking a third term.
“Three letters, NFW — I am not going anywhere, l’ve got two more years on my term, l’ve got a lot of things I want to get done as governor — what comes after that, I don’t know yet,” Whitmer told ABC’s “The View” on Tuesday when asked about running to replace Peters.
“I care a great deal, I will never totally check out,” the governor replied when pressed about the possibility of running. “But I might want to walk the earth for a little while, and get reacquainted with my family, with myself for a little bit.”
Republicans will defend 24 of the 35 Senate seats up for grabs in 2026. However, only two — Susan Collins of Maine and Thom Tillis of North Carolina — are expected to face tough battles to secure a six-year term.
In addition to the Michigan seat, Democrats are expected to face an uphill battle to hold one of their two seats in Georgia, currently held by Jon Ossoff.
