American voters need to send this guy to the unemployment line.
Pete Buttigieg, the former Secretary of Transportation and former 2020 presidential candidate, has hinted at a potential run for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, where he and his husband, Chasten, have made their home in Traverse City. Buttigieg has expressed interest in running for the Senate seat vacated by Democrat Gary Peters, who announced in January that he would not seek re-election in 2026.
In a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Buttigieg stated that while he has not yet made a firm decision about his political future, he is actively exploring his options. “I’m going to continue to work on the things that I care about,” Buttigieg remarked, hinting that his path forward could include a return to elected office. He also confirmed that he met with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to discuss the opportunity, signaling his serious consideration of the race.
Though Buttigieg’s presidential campaign was ultimately unsuccessful, his time as mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and his tenure as Secretary of Transportation under President Biden have kept him in the political spotlight. He has developed a reputation as one of the rising stars of the Democratic Party, especially among its younger members. Despite his success, Buttigieg’s political career has not come without its challenges, and his potential Senate run in Michigan would put him in direct competition with an increasingly crowded Democratic field, which includes State Senator Mallory McMorrow, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, and Congresswoman Haley Stevens.
However, Buttigieg is not the only political figure considering a bid for Peters’ seat. Republicans are also eyeing the seat, with former Congressman Mike Rogers already signaling his intention to run. Rogers narrowly lost a 2024 Senate race to Democrat Elissa Slotkin but has remained a significant figure in Michigan politics. Other Republicans, including Representatives John James and Bill Huizenga, are also reportedly weighing a campaign.
The Michigan Senate race is already shaping up to be a battleground, and it’s expected to be one of the most closely watched races in the 2026 election cycle. With Republicans currently controlling the Senate by a narrow 53-47 margin, they are looking to expand their majority. Michigan will be one of several key states Republicans are targeting in their efforts to flip Senate seats in 2026, along with Georgia, New Hampshire, and Minnesota.
For Republicans, the 2026 Senate elections are an important opportunity to capitalize on a potential shift in the political landscape, especially with Democratic Senators in swing states facing re-election. While Democrats are preparing to challenge Republican-held seats, such as in North Carolina and Maine, Republicans are aiming to expand their influence in key battlegrounds like Michigan.
With the political stakes high, it’s clear that the race for Michigan’s Senate seat will be one of the most fiercely contested in the upcoming election cycle. As Buttigieg continues to weigh his options, the GOP’s strategy will be to ensure they are prepared to take advantage of every opportunity that arises.