Leaves Door Open For 2028 Prez Run

Pete Buttigieg has confirmed he will not run for Michigan’s open Senate seat or governor’s office in 2026, signaling his focus on a potential 2028 presidential campaign.

The former Transportation Secretary shared his decision on X, explaining that he intends to dedicate his time to supporting candidates whose values align with his own.

According to political insiders speaking to Politico, skipping the 2026 races keeps Buttigieg free from commitments that could hinder a future White House bid.

Democratic strategist David Axelrod noted that winning a Senate seat would “almost certainly” remove Buttigieg from contention in the 2028 presidential race due to the demands of the role.

Buttigieg, who previously ran in the 2020 Democratic primary, is currently seen as the second most likely contender for 2028, behind Vice President Kamala Harris in early speculation.

Political commentator Mark Halperin cautioned that Buttigieg may face challenges in a national race, citing factors such as his physical stature and sexuality, and how those might influence perceptions of electability.

For now, Buttigieg appears focused on building political alliances and maintaining visibility, positioning himself for what could be a high-profile return to the presidential stage in the next cycle.