Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, who led the Democrats’ Senate campaign efforts the past two election cycles, has announced he will not seek a third term in 2026, creating a highly contested battleground seat expected to be coveted by both major political parties.

Michigan Sen. Gary Peters announced this week he will not seek a third term in 2026. The surprise announcement poses a challenge for Michigan democrats.

Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) is retiring, the Detroit News reported Tuesday, opening up a battleground Senate seat in the 2026 midterms. Why it matters: It's a stunning announcement for a senator who led Democrats' Senate campaigns two cycles in a row.

Democratic Michigan Senator Gary Peters has announced he will not seek a third term in 2026, giving Republicans a top target in a state likely to become a major midterm battleground. Peters, who won reelection in 2020 by a narrow margin of less than 2 points, surprised many with his decision.

Democrat Gary Peters' announcement means Michigan will have an open U.S. Senate seat for the second time in two years.

Former GOP Michigan congressman and senatorial candidate Mike Rogers could be back on the ballot in 2026, as the Republican is eyeing the race to replace Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI).

Democratic Michigan Sen. Gary Peters says he will not seek a third term in 2026, creating a highly contested battleground seat (AP video: Mike Householder)

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is eyeing a potential bid to represent Michigan in the US Senate after Democrat Gary Peters announced Tuesday he would not seek a third term, leaving open one of the most competitive seats in the 2026 cycle.

The news of Democratic Sen. Gary Peters not seeking reelection in 2026 is already leading to a lot of voters and experts considering what happens next in our state.

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, who led the Democrats’ Senate campaign efforts the past two election cycles, has announced he will not seek a third term in 2026, creating a ...

Welcome to the first, ahem, serving of Whole-Hog Politics, a weekly note that aims to give you a quick and useful overview of the political scene. Why Whole Hog? Well, first off, barbecue is delicious.