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 U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said on Thursday that he will not run for governor in Michigan or U.S. Senate next year. "I remain enthusiastic about helping candidates who share our values - and who understand that in this moment,

A 2026 win would have "almost certainly" ruled out a 2028 presidential bid, Democratic operative David Axelrod told Politico. Buttigieg's decision to pass on both 2026 races leaves him with an open pathway to pursuing a presidential campaign.