Why Pete Buttigieg said ‘no’ to Michigan’s open political races

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced Thursday he will not run for either Michigan governor or U.S. Senate in 2026, ending weeks of speculation about his political future but leaving the door open for a possible presidential bid in 2028.

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In a reflective Substackpost, Buttigieg explained that his decision came after significant deliberation with family, friends, neighbors, and political advisers. He emphasized personal priorities, particularly spending more time with his husband, Chasten, and their two preschool-aged children, Penelope and Gus, at their home in Traverse City.

Related: Pete Buttigieg reportedly won’t run for U.S. Senate, keeping 2028 presidential hopes alive

“In the weeks since I left office in January, I’ve been committing my time and attention to the kinds of things that inevitably get shorted when you serve in public office,” Buttigieg wrote. He described catching up on neglected household tasks, strengthening friendships, reading and writing more widely, and making up for lost family time as key factors influencing his decision.

“I care deeply about the outcome of both races, but I have decided against competing in either,” Buttigieg wrote. “My party has a deep and talented bench here in Michigan, and I am certain that we will nominate an outstanding candidate for each office.”

Buttigieg also acknowledged how his infrastructure and policy advocacy background motivated his political engagement outside elected office. He reflected on the current state of American democracy, expressing concerns over recent developments affecting national stability.

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“Our country is demonstrably less free, less secure, less democratic—and less prosperous—than it was just ten weeks ago,” he wrote. Buttigieg emphasized the necessity of clearly articulating and championing “better future-facing choices about our government and society,” stating his commitment to political engagement focused on core values of freedom, security, and democracy.

“I will be engaging partners, allies, friends and strangers in the service of a more convincing and widespread account of American prosperity than either side has so far offered,” Buttigieg continued. He intends to actively communicate through both traditional and digital media, taking advantage of his current position outside government to engage in more extensive direct dialogue with communities.

Buttigieg’s decision, first reported earlier on Thursday, was seen strategically by political insiders, who speculated it could be intended to preserve his options for a potential presidential bid in 2028.

“Hope is the consequence of action, rather than its cause,” Buttigieg concluded, adding, “I will be doing my part, as I know you will.”