Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is reportedly considering a run for the U.S. Senate seat in Michigan that will be open in 2026. This news comes as Senator Gary Peters of Michigan announced his decision not to seek a third term.
According to sources familiar with Pete Buttigieg’s thinking, the former Democratic presidential hopeful and mayor of South Bend, Indiana, is seriously exploring this potential opportunity. The sources, who remained anonymous, indicate that Buttigieg is evaluating how he can continue his service in public life.
One source stated, “Pete is exploring all of his options on how he can be helpful and continue to serve.” Another source close to Buttigieg added, “Pete’s looking into all of his options and figuring out how he can best continue to serve. He’s taking a close look at this,” suggesting a deliberate and thoughtful approach to his future political endeavors.
While the Senate seat is a prominent possibility, a gubernatorial run is also reportedly on the table for Buttigieg. Michigan’s current Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, is term-limited, creating another significant opportunity in the state’s political landscape after the next election cycle.
It’s anticipated that the open Senate seat in Michigan will attract considerable interest from both Democratic and Republican candidates. This could lead to early campaign announcements, similar to the swift action taken by Elissa Slotkin when Debbie Stabenow announced her retirement. The timeline for Buttigieg’s decision remains unclear, but the high stakes and potential competition may encourage a prompt announcement should he decide to run.
Pete Buttigieg, aged 43, has established ties to Michigan. He and his husband, Chasten, purchased a home in Traverse City. This move preceded his appointment as Transportation Secretary under President Biden. Furthermore, Chasten Buttigieg’s family resides in the area, strengthening their connection to the state. The couple also adopted twins in 2021 and their Michigan home offers proximity to family support.
In a recent interview with Politico, Buttigieg expressed his anticipation of spending more time in Michigan. He highlighted the importance of staying connected to communities outside of Washington D.C., stating, “If you’re in Washington too long, there’s absolutely a risk that you can begin to care more about the things that this town cares about than some of the things that matter to your neighbors.” This sentiment could signal a desire to engage more directly with constituents and address local concerns, potentially through a Senate run representing Michigan.
Should Pete Buttigieg decide to run, secure the Democratic nomination, and ultimately win the Senate seat, it would mark a historic moment. He would become the first openly gay man to serve in the U.S. Senate, representing a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in American politics.
The political world is watching closely to see if Pete Buttigieg will indeed enter the race for the Michigan Senate seat, a move that would undoubtedly reshape the state’s political landscape and potentially have national implications.
