Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has decided not to run for a Senate seat in Michigan. Instead, he is focusing on a potential bid for the presidency in 2028. This move comes as he weighs his political future after serving in President Joe Biden’s cabinet for four years.
Buttigieg, who purchased a home in Traverse City, Michigan, in 2020, was considering a campaign for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters. He even met with Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer to discuss the possibility. However, Buttigieg has opted out, believing that running for both the Senate in 2026 and the presidency in 2028 would be too challenging and could hurt his chances for the White House.
David Axelrod, a seasoned Democratic strategist and Buttigieg’s mentor, noted that passing on a Senate run was a tough decision. He pointed out that Buttigieg would have been a strong candidate for the Senate. However, winning that race could have sidelined him from the presidential conversation in 2028.
In addition to his political ambitions, Buttigieg seems to want to spend more time with his family and engage with local communities in Michigan. His previous experience as mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and his role as Transportation Secretary have shaped his political journey, though his tenure in the latter position received mixed reviews. A Rasmussen poll from April 2024 showed that only 41% of likely voters viewed him favorably, a drop from previous years.
While Buttigieg has strong support among Democrats, he faces challenges with unaffiliated voters and Republicans, where his favorability ratings are significantly lower. As he steps back from the Senate race, all eyes will be on his next moves as he prepares for a possible presidential run in the coming years.
