Michigan Democratic Senator Gary Peters will not seek re-election to a third term when his current one expires in January 2027, leaving open a senate seat in a state Donald Trump won.

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)

Democratic Sen. Gary Peters won’t seek reelection in 2026, kicking off what could be a crowded primary to replace him in the battleground state of Michigan. Peters, 66, told The Detroit News that it is time for a “new chapter” that focuses on spending more time with his family.

Michigan Sen. Gary Peters announces he won't run for reelection in 2026, prompting speculation on his replacement, with Pete Buttigieg as a potential candidate.

Michigan ’s senior Democratic senator announced on Tuesday that he won’t seek re-election in 2026, setting up what will likely be a fierce competition in a state Donald Trump won last year. Sen. Gary Peters, who first won his seat in 2014, revealed his retirement and shared how he came to that decision in a video.

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.

Democratic Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan announced Tuesday that he will not seek reelection in 2026, leaving Congress at the end of his second term and opening up a highly competitive battleground Senate seat.

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.

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

Despite reports to the contrary, Tony Dungy said that he is not a candidate to run for Senate in Michigan in 2026. Coming on the heels of Democrat Gary Peters announcing that he won’t seek a third term in the Senate,