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2026 United States Senate election in Michigan
The 2026 United States Senate election in Michigan will be held on November 3, 2026, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the state of Michigan . Incumbent Democratic Senator Gary Peters declined to seek re-election to a third term.[ 1] 2014 , and re-elected with 49.9% of the vote in 2020 . Along with Georgia , this is one of two Democratic-held Senate seats up for election in a state that Donald Trump won in the 2024 presidential election .
As Michigan is a purple state today at the federal level, this seat is regarded as one of the most competitive of the 2026 election cycle .[ 2] 1994 and have not won this seat since 1972 .[ 3]
On January 28, 2025, incumbent Senator Gary Peters declined to run for re-election.[ 4] Axios Politico Pete Buttigieg was taking a "serious look" at entering the race.[ 5] [ 6] Hillary Scholten and Haley Stevens .[ 7]
Publicly expressed interest [ edit ] Sarah Anthony , state senator from the 21st district (2023–present)[ 6] Pete Buttigieg , former U.S. Secretary of Transportation (2021–2025), mayor of South Bend, Indiana (2012–2020), and candidate for president in 2020 [ 5] Garlin Gilchrist , Lieutenant Governor of Michigan (2019–present)[ 8] Mallory McMorrow , state senator from the 8th district (2019–present)[ 6] Matt Sahr, president of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union [ 6]
Hillary Scholten , U.S. representative for Michigan's 3rd congressional district [ 7] Haley Stevens , U.S. representative for Michigan's 11th congressional district [ 7] Publicly expressed interest [ edit ] Brian Calley , former Lieutenant Governor of Michigan (2011–2019)[ 12] Mike Cox , former Attorney General of Michigan (2003–2011)[ 13] Tony Dungy , former head coach of the Indianapolis Colts [ 9] Bill Huizenga , U.S. representative for Michigan's 4th congressional district [ 4] John James , U.S. representative for Michigan's 10th congressional district 2018 and 2020 [ 9] Perry Johnson , businessman[ 12] Ronna McDaniel , former chair of the Republican National Committee (2017–2024) and chair of the Michigan Republican Party (2015–2017)[ 11] Peter Meijer , former U.S. representative for Michigan's 3rd congressional district [ 12] Sandy Pensler, former Wayne County Commissioner, businessman, and candidate for Senate in 2018 [ 6]
Bryan Posthumus , majority leader of the Michigan House of Representatives (2025–present) from the 90th district (2021–present)[ 6] Kevin Rinke, businessman[ 12]
Mike Rogers , former U.S. representative for Michigan's 8th congressional district 2024 [ 9] Bill Schuette , former Attorney General of Michigan (2011–2019) and nominee for governor in 2018 [ 6] John Tuttle, vice chair of the New York Stock Exchange [ 6]
^ a b Burke, Melissa Nann (January 28, 2025). "Michigan's Gary Peters won't seek reelection to U.S. Senate. Here's why" . The Detroit News the original on January 28, 2025. Retrieved January 28, 2025 . ^ Gans, Jared (November 28, 2024). "7 most competitive Senate races in 2026" . The Hill . Retrieved January 28, 2025 . ^ Spangler, Todd (January 28, 2025). "Michigan's Gary Peters won't run for US Senate reelection next year" . Detroit Free Press . Retrieved January 28, 2025 . ^ a b Goldmacher, Shane (January 28, 2025). "Senator Gary Peters, Michigan Democrat, Says He Won't Run Again in 2026" . The New York Times . ISSN 0362-4331 . Retrieved January 28, 2025 . ^ a b Nichols, Hans (January 28, 2025). "Pete Buttigieg taking "serious look" at Michigan Senate race in 2026" . Axios . Retrieved January 28, 2025 . ^ a b c d e f g h i Mutnick, Ally; Schneider, Elena; Wu, Nicholas; Crampton, Liz (January 28, 2025). "Open Senate seat puts Democrats on defense in Michigan" . Politico . Retrieved January 28, 2025 . ^ a b c d e Solender, Andrew (January 28, 2025). "Multiple House Democrats eyeing runs for Gary Peters' Senate seat" . Axios . Retrieved January 28, 2025 . ^ Wright, David (January 28, 2025). "Democratic Sen. Gary Peters not running for reelection, opening up battleground Michigan seat in 2026" . CNN . Retrieved January 28, 2025 . ^ a b c d e Bobic, Igor (January 28, 2025). "Michigan Democratic Sen. Gary Peters To Retire In 2026" . HuffPost . Retrieved January 28, 2025 . ^ Dingell, Debbie [@DebDingell] (January 28, 2025). "I'm staying in the job where I can be most effective and deliver for the people of Michigan" (Tweet ). Retrieved January 28, 2025 – via Twitter . ^ a b c Kamisar, Ben; Gomez, Henry J. (January 28, 2025). "Democratic Sen. Gary Peters won't run for re-election in battleground Michigan" . NBC News . Retrieved January 28, 2025 . ^ a b c d Hermani, Jordyn (January 28, 2025). "Michigan faces new Senate battle as Gary Peters opts against reelection" . Bridge Michigan . Retrieved January 28, 2025 . ^ "Political Pundit: Michigan Sen. Peters' Decision Not to Run in 2026 Opens Door for Possible Whitmer Bid For Senate" . Deadline Detroit . January 28, 2025. Retrieved January 28, 2025 .^ "Senate Ratings" . Inside Elections . Retrieved January 14, 2025 .^ "2026 Senate Interactive Map" . 270toWin . Retrieved January 22, 2025 .
