Former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg has announced that he will not run for Michigan’s governorship or the state’s open US Senate seat in 2026, setting up a potential presidential bid in 2028. While Buttigieg initially considered both races, he ultimately decided against competing in either. Instead, he plans to focus on helping candidates who share his values and on presenting a vision for a better alternative to the current political chaos.
Buttigieg’s decision has led to speculation that he is positioning himself for a presidential run in 2028. His choice not to run for governor or Senate in 2026 keeps that option open for the future. This has caused concern among some Michigan Democrats who are anxious about holding onto a Senate seat in a state that former President Donald Trump won in the previous election.
Other potential candidates for the Senate seat include Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, but she is reportedly uninterested. Freshman Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet is being encouraged to run, along with Rep. Haley Stevens. Buttigieg’s decision not to run has reshuffled the political landscape in Michigan and left Democrats scrambling to find a strong candidate to maintain their hold on the Senate seat.
Buttigieg became the first openly gay man to launch a competitive campaign for president in 2019 and raised over $80 million during his 2020 run. Despite initial success, his campaign struggled with winning over voters of color, leading to his withdrawal before Super Tuesday. Following his presidential bid, Buttigieg served as transportation secretary under President Joe Biden, a move seen as preparation for a potential future presidential run.
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