WASHINGTON (Michigan News Source) – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-Michigan) announced he will not seek a third term in 2026.

His announcement will no doubt trigger a highly contested race for the battleground seat that he’s held for two terms.

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The 66-year-old’s decision Tuesday to step aside comes as a surprise and poses a challenge for Democrats in Michigan with the current GOP majority in both chambers and the presidency. Peters serves with newly elected Senator and fellow Democrat Elissa Slotkin.