Pete Buttigieg has officially ruled out a 2026 run for Michigan’s open Senate seat or governorship, fueling speculation about a potential 2028 White House campaign.
The former Transportation Secretary announced his decision on X, explaining he plans to focus on supporting candidates who align with his values rather than pursuing a state-level race.
Political insiders tell Politico that this strategy preserves Buttigieg’s future presidential prospects, avoiding commitments that could limit his options. Democratic strategist David Axelrod noted that a Senate victory would “almost certainly” remove him from 2028 contention.
Having run in the 2020 Democratic primary, Buttigieg now ranks just behind Kamala Harris in early 2028 speculation. Commentator Mark Halperin highlighted potential hurdles, noting that Buttigieg’s stature and sexuality could shape voter perceptions in a high-stakes national race.