The Michigan Democratic senator Gary Peters said he would not seek re-election in 2026, a decision that could reshape the political battlefield in a state where Republican fortunes are rising.
Peters, 66, told the Detroit News he planned to retire when his second term ends in January 2027, just as Michigan marks a dramatic political shift. His announcement comes as Democrats grapple with the state’s return to swing status, highlighted by Donald Trump’s recent presidential victory there – his second win in Michigan in three attempts.
His departure also follows the recent retirement of his fellow Michigan Democrat Debbie Stabenow, who this month had her Senate seat filled by Elissa Slotkin.
Michigan’s governor, Gretchen Whitmer – considered an early option for the Democratic ticket for president in 2028 – said she would not be running for Peters’ seat.
The political terrain has changed markedly since both Stabenow and Peters first entered the Senate. While Barack Obama won 46 Michigan counties in 2008, the 2024 election saw the former vice-president Kamala Harris capture just nine counties statewide.
Peters, who holds seats on powerful Senate committees including appropriations and armed services, won his last election in 2020 by just two percentage points against the Republican John James. The narrow margin shows Michigan’s recent rightward shift, which has now seen Republicans triumph in six presidential contests since 1976.
Peters – who says he is confident about Democratic prospects for his seat – plans to serve out his remaining term but ruled out running for governor or other elected offices.
“I’m not retiring. I’m just not running for re-election in the Senate,” Peters said.
