Democratic Sen. Gary Peters won’t run for re-election in Michigan in 2026, creating a pivotal open Senate seat in one of the most tightly divided battleground states in the U.S.

Democratic Sen. Gary Peters won’t seek reelection in 2026, kicking off what could be a crowded primary to replace him in the battleground state of Michigan. Peters, 66, told The Detroit News that it is time for a “new chapter” that focuses on spending more time with his family.

Democratic Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan announced Tuesday that he will not seek reelection in 2026, leaving Congress at the end of his second term and opening up a highly competitive battleground Senate seat.

Mich., told the Detroit News in an interview released Tuesday that he would not be seeking re-election for his seat, which will likely set off an intense battle between Democrats and the GOP over the

Pete Buttigieg, 43, a former presidential candidate who's viewed as a rising star by many in Democratic politics, had been floated as a potential candidate for governor next year.