(WWJ) Michigan Senator Gary Peters has announced that he will not run for reelection, opening a key U.S. Senate seat in 2026.
Peters, a Democrat, said he has more work to do in his remaining term, it's time to pass the reins to the next generation.
He said in a statement, released Tuesday: “I have always believed that American democracy can only remain healthy and vibrant when every citizen takes an active role in strengthening their community. There are many ways people can choose to serve their community and all are important. The how and when we serve is different for everyone and what we do becomes part of a unique individual life story having many chapters."
“At this point in my life, I have been able to write many different chapters, and I look forward to the new ones with both anticipation and excitement," he added.
Peters said he is not retiring — although he did not say what he plans to do next career-wise.
He's been in the U.S. Senate for the last ten years, spending six years in the U.S. House before that
The Associated Press reports the 66-year-old’s unexpected decision to step aside after two terms comes as a surprise and poses a challenge for Democrats in Michigan during a turbulent period, likely dividing their strong bench between the gubernatorial and Senate race in 2026. Having lost Michigan in the presidential race, Peters’ decision forces Democrats to defend a critical Senate seat in Michigan without the advantage of an incumbent.
Peters' statement continues:
“When I was first elected to Congress in 2008, I always knew there would come a time to pass the torch to the next generation of public servants and allow them the opportunity to bring fresh energy and ideas to our nation’s capital. Our founding fathers envisioned members of Congress as citizens serving their country for a few terms and then returning to private life. I agree. After three terms in the House and two terms in the Senate, I believe now is time for me to write a few more paragraphs in my current chapter and turn over the reins. I will therefore not seek reelection in 2026.
“I have two more years remaining in my current term and there is more work to do. I intend to continue my work on issues important to all Michiganders by working to lower costs, make sure everyone has the opportunity to succeed, feel safe in their community, and protect core American democratic values.
“My service in the Congress has been the honor of my life. It has been a humbling responsibility given to me by the voters of the state I love. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I believe my work has left our country a better place.
“I am leaving Congress, but I am not retiring. I look forward to writing many more chapters when my term ends. I do not know what those chapters will be, but I expect one of them will be me finding endless twisting back roads where I can experience the joy of total freedom riding my Harley Davidson motorcycle on a warm sunny day.”
The 2026 U.S. Senate elections are scheduled to be held on November 3, 2026, with 33 of the 100 seats in the Senate being contested.
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