Pete Buttigieg is expected to rule out running for Michigan’s Senate seat, in a move that leaves him free to contest the presidency in 2028.
One of the few survivors of the 2020 Democratic primary, the former transportation secretary is one of Democrats’ top choices for the next election, second only to former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Newsweek contacted a representative of Pete Buttigieg for comment via email.
Why It Matters
While the 2028 election is a long way off, Democrats have a limited time to find talent before the race begins in earnest. Buttigieg is a high-profile Democrat with credentials in Midwestern swing states, making him an ideal choice if he has the time to prepare. Rejecting a Senate run indicates that he wants to make that time available.
What To Know
Pete Buttigieg is expected to rule out running for Michigan’s Senate seat, which Democrats are attempting to hold after the retirement of Senator Gary Peters, according to Politico.
The rejection of the seat, which Buttigieg would have a clear advantage in, indicates that the former South Bend mayor is thinking carefully about his time over the next four years.
The fact that Buttigieg is reportedly opting out of the Michigan race, which would have required him to campaign heavily for the swing state Senate seat, is more evidence that he is considering a presidential run in 2028.
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Buttigieg has a strong track record in presidential primaries. “Mayor Pete” gained national attention during the 2020 primary, gaining the largest number of delegates in the Iowa caucus, only to drop out and endorse former President Joe Biden, who tapped him as transportation secretary.
Buttigieg has retained high name recognition and approval among Democrat voters since his first presidential run, and, according to polling, he is the party’s second choice to be the nominee in 2028.
He trails Harris significantly; the former vice president and last year’s Democratic nominee has the support of 35.1 percent in the polls, but Harris is unlikely to run again, and Buttigieg is already ahead of California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is now old enough to run for president.
What People Are Saying
Former Representative Mark Schauer, a Democrat, to The Hill: “I think [Buttigieg] is a rare political talent, which he’s demonstrated as the Transportation secretary and on the campaign trail.”
Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas to The Hill, criticizing his qualifications for the role of Transportation Secretary: “Pete Buttigieg couldn’t organize a one-car funeral.”
What Happens Next
Buttigieg has not formally declined running in the Michigan race yet. If he does intend to run for president, he would be expected to form an exploratory committee shortly after the midterm elections in 2026.
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