Michigan's Gary Peters won't seek reelection to U.S. Senate. Here's why

[demmiblue]

Washington ― Gary Peters, Michigan’s senior senator and a former congressman, said he won’t seek reelection next year and will retire from the U.S. Senate when his second term ends in January 2027.

In an exclusive interview, the Bloomfield Township Democrat told The Detroit News that he is ready to leave public office in two years and move onto a “new chapter” that includes spending more time with his family ― particularly a new grandchild who lives on the West Coast.

“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,” said Peters, who was first elected to the Senate in 2014.

“And that goes back to 2008 when I first won that House seat. I thought it would be for a matter of a few terms that I would serve, and then I would go back to private life.”

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2025/01/28/michigan-democratic-senator-gary-peters-will-not-run-for-reelection-to-us-senate-seat-2026/77985876007/

[Siwsan]

1. I wonder if Gretchen Whitmer or Jennifer Granholm will run.

If there are still any shreds of a representative government, by then.

[LisaM]

2. It does clear the way for Whitmer.

It's a shame that she's term limited out.

There's also Jocelyn Benson. It's probably good timing, because usually the mid-terms favor the party that didn't win the Presidency.

[FireUpChips10]

3. Whitmer has already said she's not running.

[Johnny2X2X]

4. Mayor Pete will run

And I think he'll win.

Peters has been amazing. Really the type of Democrat we need more of. But I appreciate him making his decision early to give the party the best chance to find the strongest candidate to hold the seat.