Pete Buttigieg won't seek US Senate seat in Michigan, leaving door wide open for 2028 run

Saugatuck, Michigan (AP) - The ex-Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg declared that he won’t run for an available U.S. Senate position in Michigan, which opens up significant possibilities for him to pursue a far larger role as the potential presidential candidate for his party.

Following the conclusion of his tenure in the Biden administration around late January, Buttigieg has been contemplating various options over several months. One significant consideration was the suddenly vacant U.S. Senate position in Michigan, which he moved to recently. However, numerous key supporters advised him against pursuing this opportunity because they felt it would be impractical if he still wanted to aim for a presidential bid in 2028.

"I am greatly concerned with whom Michigan chooses as their Governor and Senator for the upcoming year; however, I've opted not to enter into these races," Buttigieg stated on social media Thursday. He also mentioned that he has no intentions of running for any political position in 2026.

The ruling has left the Michigan contest highly competitive as Democrats aim to fill the seat vacated by Senator Gary Peters, a Democrat who surprisingly declared in early 2023 that he would not run for another term in 2026. This opens up an opportunity for Republicans among three key races in swing states. Besides Peters, attention is also drawn to Minnesota’s Senator. Tina Smith and New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen have declared they will not run for re-election.

Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow is anticipated to declare her candidacy for the Senate with the Democratic Party in April, according to two individuals familiar with the situation. Her profile skyrocketed following an impassioned address on the floor in 2022, cementing her position among Michigan’s leading Democrats, such as her appearance at the previous year’s Democratic National Convention. On Thursday, she hinted at the news via social media, stating that further details would be forthcoming shortly.

Various Democrats, such as U.S. Representative Haley Stevens, are contemplating possible candidacies. This year, a Republican has not won a seat in the U.S. Senate in Michigan so far this century, though. Mike Rogers came within less than 1 percentage point last fall and is planning to run again.

While Buttigieg’s decision could weaken Democrats’ chances of retaining a critical Senate seat in 2026, it may also strengthen the party’s search for new national leadership to counter President Donald Trump.

Buttigieg initially launched his presidential campaign as the lesser-known mayor of South Bend, Indiana in 2020 and significantly surpassed much more seasoned Democrats In the Iowa presidential caucuses, he initially participated but later withdrew from the presidential contest. subsequently, he was selected by Biden to serve as the U.S. transportation secretary.

Considered one of the party’s top communicators, Buttigieg enjoys a substantial social media presence, a broad base of donors across the country, and an approachable demeanor that appeals to voters from Iowa to California. Residing in Traverse City, Michigan, he is swiftly forging ties within this crucial battleground state, which could be among the earliest to hold primary elections nationally. His ability to connect with audiences ranges from appearances on Fox News Channel to smaller gatherings, making him relatable to various segments of the electorate.

Buttigieg stated in a Substack publication that he intended to dedicate the coming months to interacting with "both traditional and digital media" to promote a politics centered around daily life, grounded in the principles of liberty, safety, and democratic governance.

"You'll encounter me on well-known platforms as well as emerging ones, where I will be shaping this vision and engaging with fellow Americans to discuss what they urgently require from their government and nation during such times," Buttigieg penned.