LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - A surprising announcement from Michigan Democratic Senator Gary Peters on Tuesday. The Senator said after serving two terms in the Senate, he will not seek re-election in 2026. “It’s time for me to write a few more paragraphs in my current chapter and then turn over the reins,” said Sen. Gary Peters (D) Michigan.

Michigan Sen. Gary Peters says he thinks it’s time to turn over the reins so he won’t be seeking a third term in 2026

The Democratic former transportation secretary lives in Traverse City and could run for the seat being vacated by Sen. Gary Peters.

Gary Peters' exit creates a highly contested U.S. Senate battleground seat expected to be coveted by both major political parties.

Michigan Democratic Senator Gary Peters' retirement announcement on Tuesday generated speculation about which Democrats could run to replace him in next year's Senate race.

For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, eligible Michigan taxpayers who wish to make the flow-through entity (FTE) tax election now have until the last day of the ninth month after the end of their tax year.

Michigan Democratic Senator Gary Peters will not seek re-election to a third term when his current one expires in January 2027, leaving open a senate seat in a state Donald Trump won.

The surprise decision Tuesday again complicates for Democrats in Michigan, who will be forced to defend an open seat in the battleground state for the second straight election cycle. Peters led the Democrats' Senate campaign efforts from 2021 to 2025 and helped the party hold control of the chamber in 2022 before Republicans flipped it last year.

It certainly appears Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is playing partisan politics by not scheduling a special election in Michigan’s 35th senate district.

The lawmakers’ statement comes a day after mid-Michigan chambers of commerce also issued a joint statement urging the governor to hold a special election.

The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, Midland Business Alliance and Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce are asking Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to call for a special election to fill the 35th District State Senate seat vacated by Sen.