Pete Buttigieg Considering 2026 U.S. Senate Run In MI: Report

MICHIGAN — Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg is "taking a serious look" at running for Michigan's U.S. Senate seat in 2026 after Sen. Gary Peters said he will not seek re-election, according to an Axios report.

"Pete is exploring all of his options on how he can be helpful and continue to serve," a person close to Buttigieg told the outlet. "He's honored to be mentioned for this and he's taking a serious look."

Peters, 66, unexpectedly announced Tuesday that he will not seek a third term to the U.S. Senate in 2026. He was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2014.

"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 YouTube video. "I will therefore not seek reelection in 2026."

Peters' decision to step aside means Democrats will have to defend a highly competitive seat for the second consecutive election cycle.

Longtime Sen. Debbie Stabenow decided not to seek a fifth term in 2024. Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin went on to narrowly defeated Mike Rogers for the seat.

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