Michigan Senator Gary Peters has announced he will not seek re-election in 2026, opening a key Senate seat in a critical battleground state. Peters, who played a major role in leading Senate Democrats’ campaign efforts, stated that he always planned to serve for a limited time and now wants to make way for new leadership. His departure adds complexity to Democratic efforts to reclaim Senate control after Republicans gained a 53-47 majority in 2024.
With Michigan emerging as a political hotspot following Donald Trump’s presidential victory, the race for Peters’ seat is expected to be highly competitive. Among potential candidates is former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who recently relocated to Michigan. Peters’ decision follows Senator Debbie Stabenow’s 2024 retirement, which resulted in a narrow Democratic win by Senator Elissa Slotkin. Additionally, Michigan’s 2026 gubernatorial race is intensifying, as multiple candidates prepare to compete for the seat left open by term-limited Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
