Democrat Senator Gary Peters will not run for re-election in 2026

(The Center Square) – U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, a Democrat, announced Tuesday morning he does not plan to run for a third term in 2026.

Peters was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2014, narrowly winning re-election in 2020.

“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,” Peters said in his announcement. “I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I believe my work has left our country a better place.”

Before serving in the Senate, Peters was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for six years.

During his time in office, Peters has become a key member of the Democrat Party, both nationally and in Michigan. As senator, he served as the top Democrat on the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee.

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“Gary Peters is a true public servant who has devoted his life to making Michigan and our country better,” said U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-MI, in a statement upon Peters’ retirement. “In the Senate, Gary enjoys a reputation as a no-nonsense, bipartisan legislator.”

After contentious elections in both 2020 and 2024, where Michigan solidified its position as a swing state, Peters said he will work with Democrats in 2026 to elect his successor.

“Although I will not be on the ballot next year, I will not just walk away,” Peters said. “I plan to actively campaign to ensure we elect a dynamic Democratic candidate to be the next U.S. Senator from Michigan.”

In 2020, Peters was challenged by Republican John James. Peters won that election by a margin of 1.7% or 90,000 votes.

While still a significant divide, this was an improvement for Republicans from 2014, when Peters won by 13.3% or 414,000 votes.

Currently, both U.S. Senators from Michigan are Democrats. With no incumbent running, Republicans are hopeful to pick up Peters’ seat in 2026.

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“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,” said U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-SC and the chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. “We’re committed to giving them a fighter that will stand with President Trump to restore the economic prosperity and security of our country.”

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