MONROE, Mich. (AP) — At a bustling union gathering just outside Detroit, the conversation took a turn from policy to personal as a worker tested Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s Michigan credentials in front of a crowd. This interaction occurred in a state he has recently begun to call home.
“Mayor Pete — Secretary Pete, my apologies,” an auto worker exclaimed from the audience. “Now that you’re a Michigander, who are the Lions playing this Sunday?”
Caught slightly off guard, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, couldn’t immediately recall the answer. While knowing the Detroit Lions’ schedule isn’t a formal requirement for state office, this lighthearted exchange underscores the challenge Pete Buttigieg might encounter in solidifying his bond with Michigan voters. This is a critical step should he consider entering the state’s gubernatorial race, a path some Democrats are encouraging him to take.
Despite public and private statements from Buttigieg indicating he will not consider future plans until after the Biden administration concludes on January 20, he has reportedly received calls from Michigan Democrats. They are urging him to consider running in 2026 to succeed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who is term-limited.
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Buttigieg, who relocated to Traverse City, Michigan, following his 2020 presidential campaign, has not dismissed the possibility of a gubernatorial run. This is according to a source who wished to remain anonymous due to the private nature of the discussions.
“I haven’t made any decisions about, big decisions about my future. And I know that we’ve got six more weeks and we’re going to sprint through the tape,” Buttigieg stated to reporters at an event south of Detroit on Monday, maintaining focus on his current role.
During his official visit, Buttigieg, constrained by the nature of his position, avoided political questions. His itinerary included a stop at a union hall in Dearborn, followed by a trip south of Detroit to highlight nearly $200 million in federal funding allocated to bridge replacement. However, the pressure on him to consider a gubernatorial bid is expected to escalate. This is particularly true after Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, widely considered by many Democrats to be a leading candidate to succeed Whitmer, announced his intention last week to run as an independent. This move has significantly altered the political landscape.
“People are shocked and stunned and angry. Many view this as a serious situation where Mike Duggan could put the governor’s mansion in the hands of Republicans and roll back years of progress,” commented Andrew Feldman, a Democratic strategist with experience working for the state party, highlighting the concerns within the Democratic ranks.
Michigan Democrats, who had recently celebrated significant victories in a crucial battleground state and advanced a progressive agenda with notable party unity, now find themselves in a period of uncertainty. This shift follows substantial losses in the 2024 election cycle, including a significant setback in the presidential race.
Former President Donald Trump carried the state by a larger margin than in 2016, and Republicans regained control of the state House, ending Democratic control in the Legislature. In their final weeks holding a narrow majority in both chambers, the Democratic party has faced challenges in passing major legislation, hampered by internal disagreements.
While Whitmer still has two years remaining in her term, and is herself mentioned in speculation about potential higher office aspirations, Duggan’s unexpected decision has initiated the race to succeed her. Democrats are concerned that the Mayor of Michigan’s largest city could siphon crucial support from their nominee, potentially paving the way for a Republican victory in the gubernatorial election.
Pete Buttigieg, who gained national recognition during his 2020 presidential campaign and has effectively engaged with conservative audiences in his role representing President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, could possess the broad appeal needed to regain lost support. His ability to connect with diverse groups is seen as a valuable asset.
“I personally want to thank you for going up, facing the Fox News crowd, listening to people’s questions and answering. And I think you’re one of the few politicians that does that,” an attendee remarked to Buttigieg at the union hall on Monday, receiving enthusiastic applause from the crowd. This highlighted the appreciation for Buttigieg’s approach to public engagement.
Buttigieg explained in an interview with The Associated Press on Monday that his move to Michigan was motivated by a desire to be closer to his husband’s family. “I grew up a few miles from the state line, so even growing up I was getting the news from Michigan and from both sides of the state line. And I could point to any number of moments over the years, some wonderful and some really tough, like when our little guy was in the intensive care in Grand Rapids.” This personal connection to Michigan adds another layer to his potential candidacy.
“But, yeah, bottom line, this is home,” Buttigieg concluded, reinforcing his connection to the state.
However, other potential candidates may not concede the field just yet. Michigan Democrats still possess a deep pool of political talent, with several other prominent figures expected to contemplate entering the race in the near future.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson confirmed last week that she is “certainly considering” a gubernatorial bid and is actively engaging with voters to understand their concerns as she evaluates her decision. She also voiced criticism of Duggan for choosing to leave the party instead of addressing its challenges from within.
“For me, it’s important that in moments like this, we don’t flee from the party, but we stay and fix it,” Benson stated during a televised interview, emphasizing party loyalty and the need for internal solutions.
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II is also reportedly considering a gubernatorial run and has assembled a team to explore this possibility. A final decision is not expected until 2025, according to sources with direct knowledge. Gilchrist, a 42-year-old Detroit native who is Black, could present a significant contrast to the 66-year-old Duggan, who is white, offering a different demographic appeal. Sources indicate that if he decides to run, Gilchrist intends to engage with voters who feel the Democratic Party has not adequately addressed their frustrations with the current political and economic situation.
In addition to these prominent figures, there are also potential dark horse candidates, including Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. Swanson, who gained attention after marching with protesters following the death of George Floyd in 2020 and spoke at the Democratic National Convention, recently told the AP that he has a “team doing due diligence” regarding a possible campaign.
“When it comes to the Democratic Party in Michigan, it is a prime time for them to restructure,” Swanson stated in a recent interview, suggesting a need for strategic reassessment within the party. “To not have a polarizing platform, but a more unifying one.”
“The entire playbook has to be evaluated and restructured to go and listen to the people,” he added, emphasizing the importance of grassroots engagement and adapting to the evolving political climate in Michigan.
