Pete Buttigieg Considers Senate Bid in Michigan
Last week, former Transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg met with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to discuss a potential Senate bid in Michigan, sources familiar with the meeting revealed on the condition of anonymity.
Buttigieg, who recently relocated to Traverse City, Michigan, with his family, is still weighing his options regarding a Senate run in the state. The meeting with Schumer indicates the seriousness with which he is considering entering the race.
The Senate seat in Michigan is up for grabs as Sen. Gary Peters is set to retire, making it a key battleground for Democrats and Republicans. Buttigieg, a former presidential candidate, is also contemplating a potential bid for the presidency in 2028.
While Buttigieg has not taken formal steps towards a Senate campaign, Michigan Democrats have begun positioning themselves for the race. State Sen. Mallory McMorrow has announced her candidacy, while Rep. Haley Stevens is also considering a run and has started assembling a campaign team.
Despite the speculation surrounding his political future, Buttigieg remains focused on shaping the national political discourse through unconventional means. He is set to appear on “The Late Show” with Stephen Colbert to provide a response to President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress.
While Buttigieg has ruled out a gubernatorial run, opting instead to explore a Senate bid, some Michigan Democrats have encouraged him to reconsider. The state already has a competitive field of candidates vying for the governorship, including Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who is running as an independent.
As Buttigieg continues to assess his political future, his decision will have significant implications for the Michigan Senate race and the broader national political landscape.
