"After three terms in the House and two terms in the Senate, I believe now is time for me to write a few more paragraphs in my current chapter and turn over the reins," Peters said.

Michigan Sen. Gary Peters announces he won't run for reelection in 2026, prompting speculation on his replacement, with Pete Buttigieg as a potential candidate.

Michigan Sen. Gary Peters announced this week he will not seek a third term in 2026. The surprise announcement poses a challenge for Michigan democrats.

They will need to defend an open seat in a battleground state that President Trump carried in 2024. And Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ruled out a run.

Democratic Michigan Senator Gary Peters has announced he will not seek a third term in 2026, giving Republicans a top target in a state likely to become a major midterm battleground. Peters, who won reelection in 2020 by a narrow margin of less than 2 points, surprised many with his decision.

Democratic Sen. Gary Peters won’t seek reelection in 2026, kicking off what could be a crowded primary to replace him in the battleground state of Michigan. Peters, 66, told The Detroit News that it is time for a “new chapter” that focuses on spending more time with his family.

Democratic Michigan Sen. Gary Peters says he will not seek a third term in 2026, creating a highly contested battleground seat (AP video: Mike Householder)

Democratic Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan announced Tuesday that he will not seek reelection in 2026, leaving Congress at the end of his second term and opening up a highly competitive battleground Senate seat.

Former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers plans to run again for U.S. Senate in 2026, according to the Associated Press. The Associated Press reported Thursday, Jan. 31, citing two sources familiar with Rogers' plans, that Rogers is readying to announce a bid for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters.

Despite reports to the contrary, Tony Dungy said that he is not a candidate to run for Senate in Michigan in 2026. Coming on the heels of Democrat Gary Peters announcing that he won’t seek a third term in the Senate,

Welcome to the first, ahem, serving of Whole-Hog Politics, a weekly note that aims to give you a quick and useful overview of the political scene. Why Whole Hog? Well, first off, barbecue is delicious.