Buttigieg Rules Out Senate Run, Hints at Future Presidential Ambitions

Washington — Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg He declared on Thursday that he will not run for the vacant Senate seat in Michigan next year, leaving room for a potential presidential campaign in 2028.

"I am greatly concerned with whom Michigan will choose as Governor and for representation in the U.S. Senate next year, yet I have chosen not to enter into either contest," Buttigieg stated in an X posting on Thursday.

Buttigieg, the ex-mayor of South Bend, Indiana, who worked as transportation secretary under President Joe Biden and has lately relocated to Michigan, mentioned at the beginning of this month that he might join the contest for the vacant Senate position. In January, Democratic Senator Gary Peters stated his intentions regarding the same. he wouldn't seek reelection in 2026.

Peter’s unexpected declaration created an opening for a crucial position within this swing state. In November, Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin successfully retained her Senate seat amidst another vacant contest. However, at the same time, residents of Michigan helped elect President Trump. This particular race is anticipated to be one of just a few that could decide which party controls the Senate following the Republican Party’s sweep in the 2024 elections.

At 43 years old, Buttigieg aimed for the Democratic presidential nomination in the 2020 election, competing with numerous fellow Democrats. He initially gained momentum after leading in the Iowa Caucuses, yet eventually withdrew from the contest as the party rallied behind ex-President Joe Biden.

Buttigieg stated earlier this month during an appearance on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," when questioned about a potential campaign for the Michigan Senate seat, that he was "considering it."

The previous transportation secretary stated back then that his intention was to "keep working on issues close to my heart," while also mentioning that he hadn't yet determined "what direction this will take professionally" or whether "a run for political office might be coming up shortly."

"I will ensure I am helpful," Buttigieg added.