Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, a native of Indiana, is reportedly considering a gubernatorial run in Michigan come 2026, as per multiple sources.
The former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, Buttigieg has been encouraged by notable Michigan Democrats to vie for the position, as the current Democratic governor, Gretchen Whitmer, is nearing the end of her term limit.
As reported by The Washington Free Beacon, Buttigieg relocated to Michigan in 2022 to be closer to his husband's family. This news emerges just days after Detroit mayor Mike Duggan, a prominent Democrat and previously expected successor to Whitmer, announced his decision to run as an independent. Duggan stated, "It's clear to me that there are a lot of people in this country who are tired of both parties and tired of the system. And so I want to offer people a choice."
This unexpected move by Duggan has left many Democrats in a state of shock and anger. Democratic strategist Andrew Feldman expressed his concern to ABC News, stating, "Many view this as a serious situation where Mike Duggan could put the governor's mansion in the hands of Republicans and roll back years of progress."
The political landscape in Michigan has been shifting, with President-elect Donald Trump securing a wider victory margin in the recent November election than in 2016. Additionally, Republicans managed to reclaim control of the Michigan House of Representatives after flipping four House seats, ending two years of Democratic control.
Several Democratic officials, including Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, and Attorney General Dana Nessel, are anticipated to run for the governor's office. Benson criticized Duggan for his decision to abandon the Democratic Party, stating, "For me, it's important that in moments like this, we don't flee from the party, but we stay and fix it."
On the Republican side, potential contenders include State Senate minority leader Aric Nesbitt, former attorney general Mike Cox, U.S. representative John James, and 2022 gubernatorial nominee Tudor Dixon.
While Buttigieg's potential gubernatorial run is under consideration, sources also suggest he may be contemplating a presidential run in 2028. Buttigieg made history in the 2020 election as the first openly gay major-party candidate to run for president, although his campaign was suspended in March 2020 due to lack of momentum.
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