Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, who led the Democrats’ Senate campaign efforts the past two election cycles, has announced he will not seek a third term in 2026, creating a highly contested battleground seat expected to be coveted by both major political parties.

They will need to defend an open seat in a battleground state that President Trump carried in 2024. And Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ruled out a run.

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.

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

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.

Mich., told the Detroit News in an interview released Tuesday that he would not be seeking re-election for his seat, which will likely set off an intense battle between Democrats and the GOP over the

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)

The announcement by Sen. Gary Peters creates an open seat in battleground Michigan, which has flipped from red to blue to red again in the last three presidential elections.

Democratic Sen. Gary Peters announced Tuesday that he won’t seek reelection in Michigan next year, opening up a key seat in a swing state won twice by Donald Trump. “After three terms in the House and two terms in the Senate,

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, who led the Democrats' Senate campaign efforts the past two election cycles, has announced he will not seek a third term in 2026, creating a highly contested battleground seat expected to be coveted by both parties.