Buttigieg expected to pass on 2026 Senate run in battleground Michigan, clearing path for 2028 White House bid
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is expected to rule out a run for an open Democrat-held Senate seat in Michigan, clearing the path for a potential 2028 White House bid. The news, first reported by Politico, comes as Buttigieg had been considering a run to succeed Sen. Gary Peters, who announced he won’t seek re-election in 2026.
Buttigieg, who served as mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and ran for president in 2020, has been a rising star in the Democratic Party. Despite his popularity, Buttigieg has decided not to run for Senate in Michigan, where he and his spouse, Chasten, have a home in Traverse City.
The decision not to run for Senate opens up the field for other Democrats, including State Sen. Mallory McMorrow, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nesse, and Congresswoman Haley Stevens, who have expressed interest in the race. On the Republican side, former Rep. Mike Rogers is strongly considering a run, with veteran GOP strategist Chris LaCivita as a senior advisor.
The Michigan Senate race is crucial for both parties, as Republicans aim to flip the seat in a state that has traditionally been a Democratic stronghold. The race is considered a “Toss Up” by political experts, with Republicans eyeing other key states like Georgia and New Hampshire, where Democratic senators have announced they won’t seek re-election.
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, both parties are gearing up for competitive races across the country. With the Senate currently controlled by Republicans, Democrats are hoping to make gains in states like Maine, North Carolina, and Ohio, while Republicans are looking to defend their seats and go on offense in key battlegrounds.
Overall, the Michigan Senate race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in the country, with both parties vying for control of the upper chamber. Buttigieg’s decision not to run opens the field for other candidates, setting the stage for a competitive and exciting race in the Great Lakes state.
