Michigan Senator Gary Peters has declared he will not seek a third term in 2026, a move that creates a fierce battleground for the Senate seat coveted by both Democrats and Republicans. This surprising announcement from the 66-year-old, who has served two terms in the Senate and previously three terms in the House, poses a challenge for Democratic efforts in a state that has recently seen political shifts.
In a YouTube video, Peters explained his decision, stating, “Having served for three terms in the House and two in the Senate, I think it is the right moment for me to pen a few more chapters in my ongoing story and pass the baton.” This choice leaves the Democrats facing the vital task of defending a Senate seat without the benefit of an incumbent, further complicating their goal to reclaim control of the Senate, where Republicans currently lead by a margin of 53 to 47. Among those rumored to be contenders for the open seat is Pete Buttigieg, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, who has established residency in Michigan in recent years.
This marks the second consecutive election cycle in which Democrats are confronted with the challenge of preserving an open Senate seat in Michigan, a state previously won by Donald Trump during the 2024 presidential elections. Many were taken aback when longstanding Senator Debbie Stabenow announced she would not pursue a fifth term, leaving the seat to Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin, who held it through a narrow victory.
Peters, who began his Senate career in 2014, is known for his moderate demeanor and has been instrumental in organizing Democratic campaign efforts since 2021. He served as chair of the Senate Homeland Security Committee and is presently the ranking member of that committee. His contributions were notably acknowledged during the 2022 midterms when he helped secure crucial victories for the party to maintain Senate control. However, with the Republicans reclaiming several highly competitive seats in the recent elections, the political landscape for Democrats has become more challenging.
As Michigan gears up for a significant midterm election, the political field is taking shape for the upcoming gubernatorial race, as Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited. Following the 2024 elections, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced plans to run for governor as an independent. Additionally, Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Republican State Senate leader Aric Nesbitt have launched their campaigns.
Buttigieg is reportedly considering a run for either the governorship or the Senate seat, having relocated to Michigan after his unsuccessful presidential bid in 2020. The announcement regarding the vacant Senate seat has drawn interest from numerous public officials aspiring to ascend to higher offices. State Senator Mallory McMorrow, who garnered attention from a viral speech in 2022, has expressed interest in exploring both Senate and gubernatorial candidacies.
Other potential candidates in the mix include Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II and Democratic Representative Haley Stevens, who represents an area in the suburbs of Detroit. Stevens, who was elected to Congress in 2018, is rumored to be weighing her options for a Senate bid.
On the Republican side, John James voiced optimism on social media regarding Michigan’s political future following Peters’ announcement. James has previously run for Senate against Peters and Stabenow and has found success in the House after securing reelection in 2024.
Governor Whitmer, potentially eyeing a presidential run in 2028, has clarified her disinterest in the Senate position, indicating she has two years left in her current term to accomplish significant goals.
Peters’ decision has undeniably opened a major chapter in Michigan politics, setting the stage for a competitive race in 2026.
