In a move that upends the Democrats’ 2028 field, former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg signaled his presidential ambitions by opting out of Michigan’s open U.S. Senate race, a seat being vacated by Gary Peters.
His decision suggests he’s aiming for a post-Trump White House.
Buttigieg’s inner circle agrees that running for both Senate in 2026 and president in 2028 would be nearly impossible. By bypassing the Senate race, he strengthens his position for a presidential campaign, possibly against rivals like former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Buttigieg gained national attention during his 2020 presidential run and later served as transportation secretary. Strategist David Axelrod noted that Buttigieg’s decision allows him to engage with everyday Americans while maintaining his options for 2028.
