Michigan Gov. Whitmer Says She Won't Run For Gary Peters' Seat

Sen. Gary Peters and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Updated: 9:43 p.m. Tuesday -- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer put an end to speculation on Tuesday, saying she's not interested in running for Sen. Gary Peters' seat.

The comment, made on The View, came after it was reported that Peters is not running for re-election in 2026.

"What comes after that, I don't know yet. I really don't," she said. "I might want to walk the Earth for a little while."

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Reported Earlier Tuesday

Democratic Sen. Gary Peters' decision not to seek re-election in 2026 opens the door for a "cast of thousands" to run for the seat including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a political pundit tells Deadline Detroit.

"It's the perfect time to step away now with Gretchen Whitmer not running for governor, she can run for U.S. Senate," says pundit and pollster Ed Sarpolus, executive director of Target Insyght in Lansing. 

The Detroit News first reported Tuesday that Peters, the senior senator from Michigan, won't seek another term. He was first elected to the senate in 2014.

Axios is reporting that former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, a Democrat who served under President Joe Biden, is considering a run for Senate. "Pete is exploring all of his options on how he can be helpful and continue to serve," said a person close to Buttigieg.

Sarpolus said some of the people now running for governor may end up switching and running for Senate. He said former Republican Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, who is considering a run for governor, could be one of those who switches.

Peters told the News it's time for a new chapter in his life.

“I always thought there would be a time that I would step aside and pass the reins for the next generation. I also never saw service in Congress as something you do your whole life,” he said. 

Benson recently officially announced she's running as a Democrat for governor in 2026. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, also a Democrat, announced he's running for that office as an Independent. Republican State Sen. Aric Nesbitt is also running for that office.

Others mentioned for the race include Democratic Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson, who appeared in political commercials on behalf of Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential campaign. 

Whitmer is often mentioned as a possible presidential contender in 2028.