MI Sen. Gary Peters Will Not Seek Re-Election, Opening Key Senate Seat

Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan, who has led the Democratic Senate campaign efforts for the past two election cycles, has announced that he will not seek a third term in 2026. His decision opens up a critical battleground seat that both parties are expected to compete for aggressively.

The 66-year-old’s announcement on Tuesday came as a surprise, as he has served only two terms in the Senate. His departure presents a new challenge for Michigan Democrats, who may now have to divide their strong pool of candidates between the 2026 Senate race and the gubernatorial election.

“I always thought there would be a time that I would step aside and pass the reins for the next generation. I also never saw service in Congress as something you do your whole life,” Peters said in an interview with The Detroit News, published Tuesday.

Reflecting on his political journey, Peters recalled, “That goes back to 2008 when I first won that House seat. I thought it would be for a matter of a few terms that I would serve, and then I would go back to private life. I want to be very clear: I’m not retiring. I’m just not running for reelection in the Senate. I hope, God willing, I have a lot more good years ahead.”

In a video statement on YouTube, Peters added, “After three terms in the House and two terms in the Senate, I believe now is time for me to write a few more paragraphs in my current chapter and then turn over the reins. I will therefore not seek reelection in 2026.”

With Michigan playing a crucial role in national politics, Peters’ decision complicates the path for Democrats looking to regain Senate control. Following Donald Trump’s victory in the state during the 2024 presidential election, Democrats now face an uphill battle to hold onto the seat without the advantage of an incumbent. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate.

One of the most talked-about potential contenders for the seat is Pete Buttigieg, the former U.S. transportation secretary who recently moved to Michigan. His name has been frequently mentioned in discussions about both the Senate and gubernatorial races.

Democrats are now tasked with defending a Senate seat in a state that Trump won in 2024—marking the second consecutive cycle in which they have had to do so. In 2024, longtime Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s retirement surprised many, and Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin narrowly kept the seat in Democratic hands.

Peters, known for his moderate stance and low-key approach, first joined the Senate in 2014 after serving three terms in the House. From 2021 to 2025, he chaired the Senate Homeland Security Committee and remains its ranking member. He also led Senate Democrats’ campaign arm from 2021 until earlier this year.

Many within the Democratic Party have credited Peters with steering them to a strong performance in the 2022 midterms, where they managed to maintain Senate control in the face of tough competition. However, just two years later, Democrats lost their majority as Republicans flipped key seats.

Peters’ departure also sets the stage for a high-stakes midterm election in Michigan. The race to replace Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who is term-limited, is already in motion.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced after the 2024 election that he would run for governor as an independent. Republican state Senate leader Aric Nesbitt and Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson have also entered the race.

Meanwhile, speculation continues to swirl around Buttigieg, who has been receiving encouragement from Democrats to run for governor. The former South Bend, Indiana, mayor moved to Michigan shortly after his unsuccessful 2020 presidential bid.