Pete Buttigieg is expected to announce Thursday that he will not run for Michigan’s open Senate seat — leaving the door open for an expected presidential campaign, according to a report.
The former Transportation Secretary, who recently acknowledged he was “looking” at a Senate campaign to replace retiring Democrat Gary Peters in one of the most competitive seats in the 2026 cycle, will likely make the announcement Thursday, a person briefed on his decision told Politico.
His decision was framed by allies as a move to put him in the best position for a future presidential run, all while avoiding more difficult-to-win campaigns in 2026 and 2028, according to Politico. Buttigieg was also a candidate in the crowded 2020 Democratic primary race, which was won by former President Joe Biden.
The move, however, leaves Democrats frantic to try and fill the seat being vacated by Peters in a crucial swing state won by President Trump in November.
The former South Bend, Ind. mayor changed his residency to Michigan, his husband Chasten’s home state, in 2022.
Buttigieg also opted out of a run for Michigan governor, though polling suggested he would’ve started in a dominant position, according to Politico.
