Pete Buttigieg Decides Not to Enter Michigan Senate Race, Leaving Door Open for Possible 2028 Presidential Run

Pete Buttigieg has officially ruled out running for one of Michigan's U.S. Senate seats in 2026 after weeks of speculation.

"I care deeply about who Michigan will elect as Governor and send to the U.S. Senate next year, but I have decided against competing in either race," Buttigieg, 43, shared in a statement on X on March 13. "I remain enthusiastic about helping candidates who share our values — and who understand that in this moment, leadership means not only opposing today’s cruel chaos, but also presenting a vision of a better alternative."

He continued: "While my own plans don’t include running for office in 2026, I remain intensely focused on consolidating, communicating, and supporting a vision for this alternative."

Buttigieg shared a link to a blog post that further explained his decision, titled, "I'm Not Running in 2026, But I Am Getting to Work."

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According to The New York Times, the former transportation secretary and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate was "seriously considering" launching a Senate campaign to replace Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, who announced on Jan. 28 that he would not seek reelection in the battleground state.

Peters, a Democrat, will conclude his second and final term in January 2027.

Though Buttigieg has not announced any intention to run for president again, his decision to stay out of the 2026 Senate race frees his schedule to launch a second White House bid in 2028, when President Donald Trump will be ineligible to seek reelection.

Buttigieg notably served as the mayor of South Bend, Ind. — where he was known by his nickname "Mayor Pete" — from 2012 to 2020.

Toward the end of his tenure, Buttigieg announced his long shot bid for the Democratic presidential nomination. When he secured an early victory in Iowa, he became the first openly gay major presidential candidate to win a primary or caucus.

Despite rallying momentum, Buttigieg suffered major losses on Super Tuesday, dropping out of the primary race shortly afterward and endorsing Joe Biden for the nomination.

After Biden was elected president in the general election, he nominated Buttigieg to serve as the secretary of transportation, making Buttigieg the first openly gay Cabinet member. Buttigieg held the position throughout Biden's entire term, leaving office on Jan. 20, 2025.

Related: Pete Buttigieg's 2 Children: All About Twins Gus and Penelope

When Senator Peters announced his retirement in January, a source close to Buttigieg said the former South Bend mayor was considering all the possible paths ahead, Axios reported.

"Pete is exploring all of his options on how he can be helpful and continue to serve," the source said. "He's honored to be mentioned for this and he's taking a serious look."

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Though originally from Indiana, Buttigieg and his family took up permanent residence in Traverse City, Mich. — the hometown of his husband, Chasten Buttigieg — following his 2020 presidential run.

In the past year, Michigan Democrats had also called on Buttigieg to run for the state's governor, according to The Associated Press, as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer prepares to term out in 2026.

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