Democratic Sen. Gary Peters Announces Retirement, Leaving Michigan Senate Seat Open
Peters' decision to step down in 2026 sparks a competitive race in the crucial swing state.
Michigan Senator Gary Peters, a key figure in Senate Democratic leadership, announced Tuesday that he will not seek re-election in 2026, triggering an open-seat contest in one of the nation’s most hotly contested swing states.
In an exclusive interview with The Detroit News, Peters explained his decision, saying, "I never saw service in Congress as something you do your whole life. There’s a time to step aside and pass the reins to the next generation." He expressed pride in his tenure but emphasized that he had other aspirations beyond his political career.
The decision leaves Michigan's Senate seat up for grabs in an election that could have significant implications for the balance of power in the Senate. With Republicans holding 53 seats and the tie-breaking vote from the vice presidency, Peters' retirement creates an opportunity for the GOP to challenge the seat in a state that has been a battleground in recent presidential elections.
While Peters’ race would likely have been competitive had he sought re-election, the open seat adds an extra layer of uncertainty, making Michigan one of the most closely watched Senate races of 2026.
A Wide Field of Candidates Expected
With Peters stepping down, both Democrats and Republicans are expected to field a diverse group of candidates. On the Democratic side, many eyes are already on figures like Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, whose outspoken defense of progressive values has earned her national attention. Other potential contenders include former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who recently moved back to Michigan, and Rep. Hillary Scholten, who represents the Grand Rapids area.
For Republicans, former Senate candidates like John James, who ran unsuccessfully against Peters in 2020, may make another bid. The GOP bench could also include former Representatives Mike Rogers and Bill Huizenga, or political commentator Tudor Dixon, who lost to Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2022.
The Senate race could also affect Michigan’s gubernatorial race, where Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is currently the only major candidate. Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who is term-limited and has previously been mentioned as a possible Senate contender, confirmed she would not seek Peters' seat, allowing other political figures to weigh their options.
Peters’ Political Legacy
Peters has a long history of public service, including his time as a state senator, a Naval Reserve officer, and as head of Michigan's state lottery before heading to Washington in 2009. After defeating a Republican incumbent in the House of Representatives, Peters was elected to the Senate in 2014. His re-election victories in 2014 and 2020 demonstrated his ability to win in a highly competitive state, even as Michigan became a key battleground in national elections.
In the Senate, Peters has held important committee positions and led efforts for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), helping expand the party’s majority in 2022. His leadership has been critical in Michigan’s political landscape, where Democrats managed to hold Senate seats even in states won by Donald Trump in the previous presidential cycles.
As Peters prepares to finish out his current term, the question now is who will take his place in what is sure to be one of the most contested Senate races of the 2026 cycle.