Buttigieg Confirms No Michigan Senate Run

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will not run for the U.S. Senate seat in Michigan, which will be vacated by retiring Senator Gary Peters in 2026. Buttigieg's decision appears strategically timed for a potential 2028 presidential bid, as he believes managing consecutive campaigns would be challenging. Known for his previous 2020 presidential campaign and tenure as South Bend's mayor, Buttigieg has gained considerable recognition and is considered a rising star in the Democratic Party. He moved to Michigan in 2022, where he resides with his family. His decision to forego the Senate race was initially reported by Politico and has been confirmed by multiple sources. The Democratic Party is now seeking other candidates to contest the battleground seat in Michigan, with several prominent Democrats reportedly considering a run.