Washington – Senator Gary Petersto Michigan DemocratHe said he will not seek re -election in 2026, in a surprise announcement that opens a key seat in the battlefield state.
Peters, 66, has represented Michigan in the Senate since 2015, after serving in the camera. He worked as president of the Senate Democratic campaign arm in the last two cycles.
The announcement creates an open seat in Battleground Michiganwho has overturned the presidential careers among President Trump in 2016 to former President Joe Biden in 2020 and back to Mr. Trump in 2024. The Secretary of Transportation of the Biden Administration, Pete Buttigieg, a native of Indiana who recently He moved Michigan, he is “taking a serious” look, “the race said, a source familiar with his plans said.
Although Peters would have faced a re -election fight in the state that Trump won, the headlines generally enjoy re -election offers easier than a newcomer. Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin won the race in the 2024 elections for an open seat.
Peters, who has had a key role in the efforts of the Democratic campaign in recent years, said he plans to “make an active campaign to ensure that he chooses a dynamic Democratic candidate to be Michigan’s next American senator.”
In video When announcing his decision on Tuesday, Peters described the various chapters of his life, emphasizing that his “most important chapter” continues as a “husband, father and now a new grandfather.”
Jemal Countess/Getty images for JDRF
“After three periods in the camera and two terms in the Senate, I think it is now the time you write some more paragraphs in my current chapter, and then deliver the reins,” Peters said. “Therefore, I will not look for re -election in 2026”.
Peters celebrated his 16 years representing the people of Michigan, saying with his staff: “We have been able to navigate around a hard and hyperparty political environment, and successfully approve practical, substantive and bipartisan legislation.” The Michigan Democrat promoted the legislation that strengthened border security, providing support to veterans and service members, improved protection for large lakes, among other things.
“I have two remaining years in my current term, and there is more work to do,” said Peters, and describes that he intends to work to reduce costs for Americans and protect democratic values.
Peters said his service in Congress “has been the honor of my life,” call it “a humble responsibility that gave me the voters of the state I love.”
“I will always be grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I think my work has left our country a better place,” Peters added.
Ed O’Keefe contributed to this report.
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