In a blow to Democrats’ chances to retake the Senate, Dem declines to seek 2026 reelection

On the heels of former U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing) retiring, newly minted Michigan senior U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Twp.) has announced he will not seek reelection in 2026, opening the field for what will likely be another hotly contested Senate race.

In a video posted to YouTube Tuesday, Peters discussed his experiences working in Congress, calling it the honor of his life, but stating he always knew there would come a time to pass the torch to the next generation of public servants.

“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,” Peters said.

In 2024, Democrats lost control of the U.S. Senate while Peters chaired the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. Republicans hold a 53-47 advantage this term. Democrats managed to hang onto Stabenow’s seat in 2024, as now-U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) narrowly defeated former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-White Lake).

While Democrats hope to retake the upper chamber in 2026, Peters’ decision makes that task considerably harder for the party that will have to defend another open seat.

Peters was first elected in 2014, succeeding longtime U.S. Sen. Carl Levin (D-Detroit). He won reelection in 2020 by a razor-thin margin over now-U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Twp.).

With two years left in his term, there is plenty of work left to do, Peters said.

“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,” he said.

Peters was first elected to the U.S. House in 2008 before winning election to the U.S. Senate in 2014. However, Peters noted that while he is leaving Congress, he is 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,” Peters said.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee is already gearing up for a tough campaign, with U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), the group’s chair, issuing a statement shortly after Peters’ announcement went public.

“Gary Peters is reading the room. After spending years ignoring illegal immigration and destroying his state’s auto industry, Michigan is better off without him. We’re committed to giving them a fighter that will stand with President Trump to restore the economic prosperity and security of our country.”

This story will be updated.

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