Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is eyeing a possible bid to signify Michigan within the US Senate after Democrat Gary Peters introduced Tuesday he wouldn’t search a 3rd time period, leaving open one of many best seats within the 2026 cycle.
“Pete is exploring all of his choices on how he could be useful and proceed to serve,” an individual near the ex-South Bend, Ind., mayor and 2020 presidential candidate instructed Axios.
“He’s honored to be talked about for this and he’s taking a critical look.”
Buttigieg paid tribute to Peters, 66, in a put up on X, writing: “Senator Gary Peters has served with nice integrity, focus, and experience. It was a pleasure working with him as Secretary to ship good insurance policies for our nation and key transportation tasks in Michigan. Grateful for his management, and wishing him and Colleen all the most effective.”
Peters mentioned in a video message that he’s prepared to start out a “new chapter,” however “is not going to simply stroll away” from politics.
“I plan to actively marketing campaign to make sure we elect a dynamic Democratic candidate to be the following US Senator from Michigan,” he promised.
“I’m leaving Congress, however I’m not retiring. I look ahead to writing many extra chapters when my time period ends,” he continued. “Considered one of them can be me discovering limitless twisting again roads the place I can expertise the enjoyment of whole freedom driving my Harley Davidson motorbike on a heat sunny day.”
Peters was elected to the Senate in 2014 after six years within the Home of Representatives. In 2020, he narrowly received a second time period, defeating now-Rep. John James (R-Mich.) by 1.68 proportion factors.
The Wolverine State has not elected a Republican senator since Spencer Abraham in 1994.
Nonetheless, Peters’ sudden choice has the GOP dreaming of capturing a seat it has not held since 1979.
Buttigieg, 43, modified his residency to Michigan, his husband Chasten’s dwelling state, in 2022.
Some observers have beforehand urged the previous DOT chief might run for governor in 2026, with incumbent Democrat Gretchen Whitmer barred by legislation from searching for a 3rd time period.
“Three letters, NFW — I’m not going anyplace, l’ve obtained two extra years on my time period, l’ve obtained loads of issues I wish to get executed as governor — what comes after that, I don’t know but,” Whitmer instructed ABC’s “The View” on Tuesday when requested about operating to exchange Peters.
“I care an important deal, I’ll by no means completely try,” the governor replied when pressed about the potential of operating. “However I would wish to stroll the Earth for a short time, and get reacquainted with my household, with myself for a bit of bit.”
Republicans will defend 24 of the 35 Senate seats up for grabs in 2026.
Nonetheless, solely two incumbents — Susan Collins of Maine and Thom Tillis of North Carolina — are anticipated to face powerful battles to safe a six-year time period.
Along with the Michigan seat, Democrats are anticipated to face an uphill battle to carry one among their two seats in Georgia, at the moment held by Jon Ossoff.