LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – With Michigan’s 2026 gubernatorial race on the horizon, speculation had been swirling around about Biden’s former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg throwing his hat in the ring. But ever since Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) announced he won’t seek re-election, the chatter has shifted to Buttigieg eyeing the Senate seat instead. While Buttigieg hasn’t made anything official, one thing is clear – his disastrous tenure in Biden’s cabinet is over, and he’s in the market for a new job.

Buttigieg sidesteps governor’s race, eyes senate run instead.

Politico reports that Buttigieg has ruled out running for governor “according to two people familiar with his thinking. An anonymous source also says that Buttigieg is “very seriously focused on a potential run for Senate.”

Buttigieg rides high in Michigan poll, leaving Nessel and others in the dust.

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According to Blueprint Polling who conducted a survey from January 30th through February 2nd of likely Democratic primary voters in Michigan, Buttigieg leads the field of possible candidates in his party.

Buttigieg brings high name recognition to the race which propelled him to secure 40% support, while Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel trails in second with 16%. The rest of the field in the low single digits and 30% of voters are undecided.

According to the poll, Buttigieg and Nessel, have statewide name ID above 80%, while the other candidates in the poll – Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist (he has reportedly ruled out a senate run and is looking at running for governor), U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, and State Senator Mallory McMorrow – don’t have name recognition above 56%.

Nessel the favorite if Buttigieg bows out.

The poll says that in a scenario where Buttigieg is not on the ballot, Dana Nessel immediately emerges as the front runner, nearly matching Buttigieg’s original vote share with 39% of the vote.

The conclusion of the polling states that the survey shows two very different races. They report “In scenario A, Pete Buttigieg is the overwhelming front-runner. He struggles with Black voters and nearly a third of the electorate remains undecided, but his strength with educated voters white liberals makes him the odds-on favorite to win the nomination.”

The press release goes on to say, “In scenario B, in which Buttigieg decides not to run, Dana Nessel takes the position of the front-runner, arguably even more securely than Buttigieg. Unlike Buttigieg, she does well with Black voters (particularly with Gilchrist deciding not to run), and she is equally strong among those with a college degree and those without.”

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Other Democrats considering a run for the Michigan Senate but not included in the poll include Wayne County Health Director Abdul El-Sayed, State Sen. Sarah Anthony and Matt Sahr, who leads the Michigan firefighters union.

On the Republican side, rumored candidates who are considering a senate run include former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, U.S. Rep. John James, former NFL coach and Jackson native Tony Dungy, Rep. Bill Huizenga, businessman Kevin Rinke and former Michigan gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon.