Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has opted not to pursue a Senate seat in Michigan, sparking speculation that he is planning a presidential run in 2028.
Breitbart reported that Buttigieg's decision not to run for the vacated Michigan Senate seat fires up discussions about his possible presidential ambitions for 2028.
In January, when Michigan Senator Gary Peters announced his decision not to seek re-election, a new possibility opened for Democrats seeking advancement. Among the names considered for this opening was Pete Buttigieg, who was taking a "serious look" at the opportunity, according to sources close to CNN.
However, on Thursday morning, Buttigieg declared his intention not to join the race for either the Senate or Michigan's gubernatorial seat.
In a statement, he highlighted his commitment to supporting candidates who share his vision of a more promising alternative to the current political landscape.
"I care deeply about who Michigan will elect as Governor and send to the U.S. Senate next year, but I have decided against competing in either race," Buttigieg expressed.
He emphasized his continuous involvement in politics and his intention to back those who align with his values.
"While my plans don’t include running for office in 2026, I remain intensely focused on consolidating, communicating, and supporting a vision for this alternative," Buttigieg added.
Buttigieg remarked on the deteriorating state of freedom, security, democracy, and prosperity in the U.S., tackling the changes he deems have diminished these core aspects of American life over recent weeks. Such pointed criticism of current conditions further fuels the belief in his continued pursuit of higher office.
Pete Buttigieg's pronouncements on Thursday underscore the critical importance he places on the decisions made by elected officials. "The decisions made by elected leaders matter entirely because of how they shape our everyday lives — and the choices made in these years will decide the American people’s access to freedom, security, democracy, and prosperity for the rest of our lifetimes," he shared.
Meanwhile, the national political stage continues to evolve with other potential candidates for future presidential races making moves.
Notably, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has also been the subject of speculation regarding a potential bid for the presidency in 2028.
Gov. Walz, who was vice president candidate Kamala Harris’s former running mate, has voiced his preparedness to serve again, should there be a national call.
“Look, I never had an ambition to be president or vice president. I was honored to be asked. If I feel I can serve, I will. And if nationally, people are like, ‘Dude we tried you, and look how that worked out,’ I’m good with that,” Walz stated.
Adding to his national presence, Walz announced a series of town hall meetings across primarily Republican-held districts.
“I’m hitting the road, traveling to red states across the country to lend a megaphone to the people. Your congressman may not want to listen, but they’re going to hear from us anyway,” he proclaimed.