The unexpected decision by Michigan Senator Gary Peters (D) to not run for another term in the year 2026 has thrown into disarray what was expected to be an intensely contested race in a crucial battleground.

Democrats knew the race for Senate in Michigan next year would be fierce. This was especially true after President Trump narrowly defeated former Vice President Kamala Harris, while Sen. Elissa slotkin (D) fended off her GOP opponent.

Peters’ resignation has sparked a wave of interest from candidates who are interested in running for the Democratic nomination. Some high-profile names, such as former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, have also been floated.

“We had an incumbent who was a good two-termer, had done a lot for Michigan in terms of performance and had not offended any major constituencies within the state.” “Now you have to start over if you are a Democrat,” said Democratic strategist Adrian Hemond. “It’s definitely more competitive.”

Peters was a member of the House for 6 years, before being elected to the Senate. He won by double-digits in 2014 despite a brutal election year for Democrats. In 2020, his reelection win was narrower. He won by less than two points as Michigan began to turn purple.

Peters is only in his second Senate term. He has become more prominent, and has led the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee for the last four years. Peters guided the party for two cycles including the midterm elections of 2022, where his party had unexpected success.

“Sen. Hemond stated that Peters had been chosen to lead the DSCC for the past two cycles. He’s a great fundraiser and is very good at fundraising.

Peters’s surprise announcement was made all the more surprising by the fact that Peters is only 66, which is young for a senator.

It has sparked a race for his replacement on both sides.

Rumors have circulated that several candidates could be the next governor to replace term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat who is running for governor in 2026, has expressed an interest or openness to run instead for the Senate.

Buttigieg is the most prominent candidate. He began his political career as mayor of South Bend in Indiana, but moved to Michigan by 2022. This sparked speculation that he intended to run for office in Michigan.

After Peters announced his candidacy, a source with Buttigieg’s knowledge told The Hill that he was likely to consider running for the Senate. CNN reported that Buttigieg’s spokesperson said he is “taking a very serious look”.

Buttigieg is a candidate who has been praised by both sides. He is known nationally and has a high profile.

Buttigieg has also shown a strong fundraising ability during his presidential campaign in 2020 and a willingness speak to audiences outside of the Democratic base. This includes appearing on Fox News daytime newscasts during the 2024 election.

Steve Mitchell, a strategist and CEO of Mitchell Research & Communications (a polling and consulting firm), said Peters’s choice may have the most significant implications for Buttigieg. Buttigieg has been rumored to be a potential gubernatorial nominee.

Mitchell said that a poll conducted by the firm in September showed Buttigieg to have a significant lead over Michigan Secretary Jocelyn Benson who has declared for governor.

Mitchell suggested that Buttigieg’s newness in the state may make him a better candidate for Senate.

He said that because he was not born in Michigan, but had moved here two years earlier, he would be better off running for Senate than for Governor, as the latter requires a thorough understanding of the state government.

His relative lack of familiarity in the state, compared to that of other candidates, may expose him as carpetbagging and hurt his chances of winning a crowded field.

Saul Anuzis said, “I don’t believe he brings much from a Michigan standpoint.” Anuzis was a former state GOP chair. His knowledge of Michigan is based on the view from their cottage window overlooking Lake Michigan. This is not a good qualification to represent the state of Michigan. “I think that the Democrats have much better candidates on the horizon than him.”

Other Democrats are also reportedly considering a bid, including Michigan Reps. Haley Stevens, Hillary Scholten and Lt. Governor. Garlin Gillchrist and Mallory McMorrow, the state Senate Majority Leader. Dana Nessel, the state attorney general, has also been mentioned as a possible candidate.

Hemond stated that while Buttigieg is a strong candidate, he would not clear the field. The question to decide the nominee will be the quality of the candidates. He said that while a crowded field could be beneficial to Democrats, it may not hurt them as long as they don’t make the race too personal.

He said that a crowded Democratic primary could be beneficial for Democrats who are trying to reconnect with voters after a painful defeat last year.

The list of potential candidates on the Republican side is just as long. The party is likely to be aggressive, since there’s no incumbent in the race.

Rep. John James, R-Mich., has been nominated for Senate in both 2018 and 2020. It seems likely that he will run for another statewide position. Tudor Dixon, 2022 GOP nominee for governor, hinted that he might run.

Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Mich., is reportedly considering a run. Former state attorney general Mike Cox (R), has formed an exploratory group to consider running for governor. However, Republicans speculated he may switch to Senate, and former Rep. Mike Rogers, who almost defeated Slotkin for the Senate in 2024, could try again.

Anuzis stated that “you’ve got some really strong names out there, both from a fundraising and name identification perspective.” “It’s going play out in the end, but it opens up when there are more than three competitors.”

Despite the fact that Peters’s resignation may provide Republicans with an opportunity, they could still face a difficult battle in Michigan given recent Senate results. In the last 50 years, a Republican only won one Senate race in Michigan.

Mitchell noted that midterm elections often bring a backlash against the party of the incumbent president, which can lead the party who lost the last presidential election to win competitive gubernatorial or congressional races.

He said, “That’s particularly true in terms of the Senate.”