Mayor Pete gathers with Chuck Schumer amid Senate bid consideration
Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg recently met with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer as he contemplates entering the 2026 Michigan Senate race. The meeting, which took place last week, was to discuss Buttigieg potentially running for the seat currently held by outgoing Democratic Sen. Gary Peters in the swing state that was won by former President Trump.
Buttigieg, who previously served as the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, before launching a presidential bid in 2020, is a popular figure within the Democratic Party and has been dubbed “Mayor Pete” by his supporters. He went on to serve as President Biden’s transportation secretary before considering a run for the Senate in Michigan.
After Peters announced his decision not to seek re-election in January, a source familiar with Buttigieg’s plans stated that he is exploring all options to continue serving and being helpful. “Pete is honored to be mentioned for this, and he’s taking a serious look at it,” the source added.
Peters, in an interview with the Detroit News, explained his decision to retire, stating, “I always thought there would be a time that I would step aside and pass the reins for the next generation. I also never saw service in Congress as something you do your whole life.” He expressed his intention to return to private life after serving in Congress for a few terms.
The Michigan Senate race is currently labeled as a “Toss Up” by the Cook Political Report, indicating that it is a competitive race with no clear frontrunner. Buttigieg’s potential entry into the race could shake up the dynamics and add another dimension to the already closely watched contest.
As Buttigieg considers his political future, his meeting with Schumer signifies a significant step in his decision-making process. Whether he ultimately decides to run for the Senate in Michigan remains to be seen, but his popularity and experience make him a formidable candidate in the race. Stay tuned for further updates on Buttigieg’s potential Senate bid and the evolving dynamics of the Michigan Senate race.
