XPost: alt.fan.rush-limbaugh, sac.politics, talk.politics.misc
XPost: or.politics
Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg said Thursday that he
will not run in Michigan's gubernatorial or Senate races next year.
Why it matters: Buttigieg, who said he strongly considered bids in both
races, has also been floated as a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate.
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.
The big picture: "I care deeply about the outcome of both races, but I
have decided against competing in either," Buttigieg wrote in a Substack announcement.
"My party has a deep and talented bench here in Michigan, and I am certain
that we will nominate an outstanding candidate for each office."
Zoom out: Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) announced his retirement in January, opening up unexpected Senate seat in the battleground state.
The campaign to fill his seat is expected to be one of the most expensive Senate races in the country.
The governor's race is also set to be high profile, as current Gov.
Gretchen Whitmer (D) is term-limited.
What he's saying: "I am simultaneously thankful to be away from Washington
and yet also more motivated than ever to contribute to the future of this country," Buttigieg wrote.
He said he'll continue his focus on matters like the industrial Midwest, infrastructure, climate change and democratic reform, while also "engaging
both legacy and digital media."
Between the lines: Buttigieg was previously reported as having passed on
the governor's race.
His decision to pass on the Senate race was more surprising, as he had reportedly met with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in recent weeks
to discuss a Senate bid, per Politico.
The presidential primary will begin to heat up soon after the 2026 midterm elections.
https://www.axios.com/2025/03/13/pete-buttigieg-senate-governor-michigan-
race
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