Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has officially passed on running for Senate in Michigan, fueling intense speculation about his true political ambitions. The move has conservative critics questioning if this signals the beginning of Buttigieg’s long-term strategy to position himself for a 2028 presidential run.
At a glance:
• Pete Buttigieg announced he will not run for Michigan’s open Senate seat in 2026
• The decision is widely seen as keeping his options open for a 2028 presidential campaign
• Buttigieg moved to Michigan in 2022, fueling earlier speculation about a statewide run
• He currently polls behind Kamala Harris for potential 2028 Democratic candidates
• Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow is expected to announce her run for the Senate seat
Buttigieg Eyes White House While Skipping Senate Bid
Pete Buttigieg (remember him?) has officially announced he will not run for Michigan’s open Senate seat in 2026, a move that appears calculated to preserve his political capital for a potential 2028 presidential campaign. The decision comes as Democrats search for candidates to maintain control of the crucial swing state seat that will be vacated by retiring Senator Gary Peters.
Buttigieg made the announcement in a statement posted to X, where he claimed to “care deeply” about Michigan elections while strategically removing himself from contention. The failed 2020 presidential candidate relocated to Michigan from Indiana in 2022, in what many conservatives viewed as a transparent attempt to establish residency for future political opportunities.
And as you can see, not everyone is convinced he is in with a chance.
Democrat Insiders Admit Presidential Ambitions
Democratic strategist David Axelrod confirmed Buttigieg’s likely presidential ambitions, noting that “the hardest decision in politics is to pass on a race you have a very good chance to win.”
Axelrod further acknowledged that running for Senate in 2026 would have directly interfered with mounting a presidential campaign for 2028, effectively confirming what many Republicans have suspected about Buttigieg’s political calculations.
“Pete was an A-list recruit and would have been a formidable candidate for the Senate had he chosen to run,” Axelrod said. “This certainly keeps that option open,” he added, referring to a potential White House bid.
According to recent polling, Buttigieg currently trails behind Kamala Harris for potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates, a position that apparently hasn’t deterred his apparent White House aspirations. The Cook Political Report rates the Michigan Senate race as a toss-up, making Buttigieg’s decision to step aside potentially costly for Democrats struggling to maintain their Senate majority.
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CNN: Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is reportedly opting out of a Senate bid, fueling speculation about a potential 2028 presidential campaign. pic.twitter.com/cgiiCUAbOX
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) March 13, 2025
Growing Field of Liberal Contenders for 2028
Buttigieg isn’t the only Democrat positioning for a potential 2028 presidential run, with former Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also rumored to be eyeing the White House. Harris is reportedly considering a 2026 California gubernatorial run, while Walz has announced a national town hall tour in Republican-controlled House districts in what appears to be an effort to raise his national profile.
Walz has attempted to downplay his presidential ambitions, stating: “Look, I never had an ambition to be President or Vice President. I was honored to be asked. If I feel I can serve, I will. And if nationally, people are like, ‘Dude we tried you, and look how that worked out,’ I’m good with that.”
With Buttigieg out of the Michigan Senate race, state Senator Mallory McMorrow is expected to announce her candidacy.
