Buttigieg wrote that he "seriously" considered running for office in 2026 but that the Democratic Party has a "deep and talented bench in Michigan."

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that he will not seek an open U.S. Senate seat in Michigan, a move that leaves the door wide open for him to seek a much bigger role as his party’s next presidential nominee.

One likely Republican candidate is Mike Rogers, who narrowly lost to Democrat Elissa Slotkin in an open U.S. Senate contest last year. Other Republicans considering bids are Rep. Bill Huizenga of Holland Township and 2022 gubernatorial nominee Tudor Dixon of Norton Shores.