Pete Buttigieg Won’t Run for Senate or Governor—But 2028 Might Be in Sight

Pete Buttigieg has officially ruled out running for Michigan’s soon-to-be-vacant U.S. Senate seat or a 2026 gubernatorial bid, fueling speculation that he’s setting his sights on a 2028 presidential run. “I care deeply about who Michigan will elect… but I have decided against competing in either race,” he said on X.

His decision not to pursue a six-year Senate term appears strategic, keeping him flexible for future national ambitions. Political insiders and figures like David Axelrod suggest this keeps Buttigieg “firmly in the 2028 conversation.” Buttigieg, the former South Bend mayor and 2020 Democratic candidate, moved to Michigan in 2022 with his husband Chasten, sparking earlier rumors of a statewide run.

He remains one of the top Democratic names in early 2028 polls, just behind Kamala Harris, who is reportedly considering a 2026 run for governor of California. Despite some political commentary about image-related challenges, Buttigieg’s credentials and leadership as Transportation Secretary have earned him broad respect.

For now, he’s focused on helping others win office, saying, “The decisions made by elected leaders… will decide the American people’s access to freedom, security, democracy, and prosperity.”

Buttigieg may be waiting—but he’s far from finished.