Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is considering a run for Michigan’s Senate seat, the latest development to roil what is quickly shaping up to be one of next year’s most competitive and closely watched races.

Buttigieg moved to the Great Lakes State with his Michigan-native husband in 2022, triggering questions about his political future after eventually leaving his post in the Biden administration's Transportation Department. Last week’s announcement from Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) that he wouldn’t seek another term in 2026 appears to have opened a clear path for Buttigieg.

While he would likely face opposition and wouldn't automatically coast to the nomination, Democrats said they’re excited by the prospect of Buttigieg jumping in and suggested he would be an early favorite as one of the best surrogates for the party.

“I’m excited,” said former Rep. Mark Schauer (D-Mich.) about the prospect of Buttigieg entering the race. “I think he is a rare political talent, which he’s demonstrated as the Transportation secretary and on the campaign trail.”

Buttigieg has experienced one of the most rapid rises of any Democrat of the past five years, going from mayor of South Bend, Ind., to becoming one of the most prominent voices in the party.

He turned in an unexpectedly impressive performance in the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries, winning the Iowa caucuses and nearly winning in New Hampshire. Though he dropped out in March, he endorsed then-candidate Joe Biden and became a key supporter, eventually joining Biden’s administration.

Political observers have expected Buttigieg to seek elected office again, and he has been rumored as a possible 2028 presidential candidate. Early polling has often placed him as one of the top potential choices for Democrats.

But a Senate run in 2026 may be the launching pad for a long political career........

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