Michigan's Democratic Senator Gary Peters has declared he won't seek re-election in 2026, leaving his seat open in a crucial swing state. This announcement comes after nearly two decades of public service, with Peters expressing his desire to embark on a "new chapter" and dedicate more time to his family. He shared these sentiments in an interview with the Detroit News, reflecting on his time in Congress and stating his belief that such service isn't a lifelong commitment.
Peters' retirement creates a competitive opening in a state that, while captured by Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, also saw Democrat Elissa Slotkin narrowly win a Senate seat the same year. This makes the upcoming 2026 race a significant contest for both parties. The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) had previously identified Peters as a key target, along with Senators Jon Ossoff of Georgia and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, in their efforts to bolster their Senate majority.
NRSC chair, Senator Tim Scott, reacted to Peters' announcement by asserting that Michigan would be better off without him, citing concerns about immigration and the auto industry. Scott pledged to support a candidate who would collaborate with President Trump to address these issues. Conversely, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) highlighted that no Republican has won a Michigan Senate race in 30 years and expressed confidence in retaining the seat. Peters, who led the DSCC during the 2022 and 2024 cycles, affirmed his commitment to actively campaigning for a strong Democratic successor.
The 2026 Senate races present a challenging landscape for Democrats. While they face defensive positions in states like Michigan, Georgia, and New Hampshire, potential opportunities exist in Maine and North Carolina, where Republican Senators Susan Collins and Thom Tillis, respectively, are up for re-election. Following Peters' news, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer promptly removed herself from consideration for the Senate seat. However, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who recently relocated to Michigan, is reportedly contemplating a run.
