MONROE, Mich. — In a lively union hall just outside Detroit, a worker shifted the dialogue from policy matters to personal interactions, putting Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on the spot regarding his knowledge of Michigan sports. “Mayor Pete—Secretary Pete, I apologize,” shouted one auto worker from the audience. “Now that you’re a Michigander, who do the Lions play Sunday?”
Taken by surprise, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, was unable to answer the question. While knowing the schedule for Detroit’s struggling yet recently successful football team isn’t a formal requirement for public office, this lighthearted interaction illustrates the effort Buttigieg will have to make to connect with Michigan voters—a task some in the Democratic Party hope he will undertake as he considers entering a crowded governor’s race.
Buttigieg has publicly and privately indicated that he will not make any significant decisions regarding his political future until after the Biden administration concludes its term on January 20. However, he has received encouragement from Michigan Democrats to consider a run for the 2026 gubernatorial election, succeeding current Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who will be term-limited.
Since relocating to Traverse City, Michigan, after his unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 2020, Buttigieg has not dismissed the idea of a gubernatorial run, according to a source who requested anonymity to discuss private matters. “I haven’t made any decisions about significant future plans. We’ve got six more weeks to finish strong,” Buttigieg commented to reporters at an event south of Detroit on Monday.
During his official visit, Buttigieg avoided engaging with political questions, focusing instead on his itinerary, which included a union hall stop in Dearborn and a showcase of nearly $200 million in federal funding allocated for bridge replacement. However, as Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan recently declared his intention to run as an independent candidate, the pressure on Buttigieg to enter the race is likely to increase substantially.
“People are shocked and angry. Many believe this could be a serious blow, potentially enabling Republicans to regain power and undo years of progress,” remarked Andrew Feldman, a Democratic strategist familiar with party dynamics.
Recent turmoil has shaken Michigan Democrats, who were previously enjoying significant victories in a competitive state and had forged a united front behind their progressive agenda. The party faces significant challenges after suffering major losses in the 2024 elections, most notably a considerable defeat in the presidential race. President-elect Donald Trump not only won Michigan by a greater margin than in 2016 but also led Republicans in regaining control of the state House, effectively ending Democratic dominance in the Legislature. In their final month of having a slim majority, internal divisions have hampered the Democratic Party’s ability to enact substantial legislation.
While Governor Whitmer has two years left in her term and is speculated to be eyeing higher office, Duggan’s unexpected announcement has triggered the race to succeed her. Many Democrats are now worried that Duggan’s independent candidacy could siphon votes from their potential nominee, increasing the likelihood of a Republican victory.
Buttigieg, having gained national attention during his 2020 presidential campaign and effectively addressing conservative audiences while working on behalf of President Biden and Vice President Harris, has the potential to rebuild connections with voters.
“I want to thank you personally for facing the Fox News crowd and engaging with them. You’re one of the few politicians who does that,” one attendee at the union hall expressed, receiving enthusiastic applause.
In a recent interview, Buttigieg explained his move to Michigan was motivated by a desire to be closer to his husband’s family. “I grew up near the state line and always followed Michigan news, so I have a personal connection to this area,” he said. “This is my home.”
However, other potential candidates in the Democratic Party are not ready to surrender the race just yet. Michigan Democrats continue to have one of the most promising political lineups nationwide, with numerous prominent figures expected to announce their candidacies soon.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson confirmed last week that she is “certainly considering” a run for governor and is currently listening to voters’ opinions as she weighs her options. Benson also criticized Duggan for leaving the party instead of confronting its obstacles.
“It’s crucial for us to stay with the party and work to improve it during tough times,” Benson stated during a televised conversation.
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II is also contemplating a governor’s bid and has reportedly started to form a team to explore this possibility, although a final decision isn’t expected until 2025, according to an informed source. The 42-year-old from Detroit could create a compelling contrast to Duggan, who is 66 and white. Should Gilchrist decide to run, he aims to connect with voters dissatisfied with the Democratic Party’s handling of their concerns.
Furthermore, other candidates are emerging as potential contenders, including Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, who became well-known after participating in protests following George Floyd’s death in 2020. Swanson recently mentioned that he is gathering a team to assess a potential run. “It’s a crucial time for the Democratic Party in Michigan to rethink its approach,” he said in a recent interview, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive platform. “We need a thorough evaluation of our strategies and a commitment to truly listen to the people,” he stressed.
