(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.
“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.
“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.”
