U.S.A.: Pete Buttigieg considers running for 2026 Michigan’s Senate seat

Axios reports that former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is “taking a serious look” at running for a U.S.A. Senate seat in Michigan in 2026, which will become available due to the retirement of Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI). Trump secured a victory in Michigan in 2024. An anonymous source closely connected to Buttigieg stated that he 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.” The article does not specify who initially suggested Buttigieg as a potential candidate.

Peters publicised his retirement to The Detroit News on Tuesday, expressing, “I always thought there would be a time that I would step aside and pass the reins for the next generation.” Elected to the U.S. House in 2008, Peters served until his Senate election in 2014, maintaining his position since then. Republicans highly covet the seat, as they view it as a potential pick-up opportunity in the state. During his last re-election in 2020, Peters narrowly defeated his Republican rival by 92,335 votes, a slim 3.3% margin. In 2024, Michigan’s other Senator, Elissa Slotkin, won her race by just 21,725 votes, a margin of 0.8%.

According to ‘LGBTQ Nation’, National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) commented, “Gary Peters is reading the room,” asserting, “Michigan is better off without him. We’re committed to giving them a fighter that will stand with President Trump to restore the economic prosperity and security of our country.”

On Tuesday, Buttigieg posted on X that “Peters has served with great integrity, focus, and expertise,” adding, “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.”

After his tenure as Transportation Secretary, Buttigieg announced plans to reside in Michigan to raise his twin children with his husband, Chasten Buttigieg. He also mentioned considering enrolling at Northwestern Michigan College to pursue a pilot’s license through their flight program.

Furthermore, Buttigieg might be considering a gubernatorial run in Michigan after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer completes her term-limited service in 2026. Whitmer has declared she will not pursue Peters’ vacant Senate seat.

Due to his prominence, Buttigieg is seen as a strong candidate for the Senate seat. He has impressed political analysts with his straightforward approach and his willingness to engage with conservative interviewers. Likely to attract significant financial backing for what promises to be a costly Senate race, Buttigieg has also gained considerable Democratic support, having been a key campaign surrogate for former Presidential nominee Kamala Harris during the 2024 national elections.