Pete Buttigieg says he’s ‘looking at’ a possible Senate run in 2026 in battleground Michigan

Former Department of Transportation Secretary and 2020 presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg has sparked speculation about a potential run for the Senate in Michigan. In a recent interview on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” Buttigieg confirmed that he is considering entering the race to succeed Sen. Gary Peters, who announced in January that he would not seek re-election in 2026.

“I’ve been looking at it,” Buttigieg said, noting that he is still weighing his options and has not made a final decision. However, he expressed a desire to continue working on issues that are important to him and to make himself useful in some capacity.

Buttigieg’s interest in a Senate campaign is evident in his recent meeting with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. The former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and Navy intelligence officer gained national attention during his 2020 presidential bid, winning the Iowa caucuses and coming in a close second in the New Hampshire primary.

Since then, Buttigieg has remained a prominent figure within the Democratic Party, serving as Transportation Secretary in the Biden administration. He and his spouse, Chasten, have made Michigan their home, residing in Traverse City.

Buttigieg is not the only Democrat eyeing a Senate run in Michigan. State Sen. Mallory McMorrow is expected to launch a campaign, along with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Rep. Haley Stevens. On the Republican side, former Rep. Mike Rogers is considering a second Senate bid after narrowly losing in the 2024 election.

The Michigan Senate race is shaping up to be a competitive contest, with the Cook Political Report rating it as a “Toss Up.” Republicans currently hold a slim majority in the Senate, but face challenges in defending vulnerable seats in key battleground states like Georgia, New Hampshire, and Minnesota.

As the 2026 election cycle approaches, both parties are gearing up for a fierce battle for control of the Senate. With Buttigieg’s potential entry into the race, Michigan is sure to be a closely watched race that could have national implications.