Pete Buttigieg Declines Michigan Senate Run, Fuels Speculation of 2028 Presidential Bid

Michigan Senator Gary Peters has announced that he will not seek reelection, prompting discussions about potential candidates for his open Senate seat. Among those who considered running was former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. On Thursday, Buttigieg confirmed that he would not pursue the Senate seat in Michigan, leaving open the possibility of a future presidential bid in 2028.

In a detailed post on Substack, Buttigieg elaborated on his decision-making process. He revealed that he had given serious thought to running for both the open Senate seat and the governorship in Michigan. However, he ultimately decided against entering either race. Buttigieg expressed confidence in the Democratic Party’s strong pool of candidates in Michigan, indicating that he believes capable individuals will step forward to fill these roles.

Buttigieg, who previously served as the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and as transportation secretary under President Biden, recently relocated to Michigan. His move to the state had fueled speculation about his potential candidacy. Despite this, Buttigieg emphasized his commitment to supporting the Democratic Party’s efforts in Michigan, without directly participating as a candidate in the upcoming elections.

The decision by both Peters and Buttigieg not to run has set the stage for a competitive race in Michigan. As the Democratic Party prepares for the upcoming elections, attention will likely turn to other potential candidates who may emerge to vie for the open Senate seat and the governorship.