Michigan Democratic Sen. Gary Peters Won't Seek Reelection in 2026

Sen. Gary Peters said Tuesday that he won't seek reelection next year. The Michigan Democrat becomes the first retirement announced in the 2026 Senate election cycle.

Peters was elected to the Senate in 2014 and reelected to a second term in 2020. That year, he defeated Republican John James by a 50% to 48% margin. James is currently the congressional representative for Michigan's 10th district.

The state's other Senate seat was open in 2024, as long-time Democrat Debbie Stabenow retired.  Elissa Slotkin held the seat for Democrats, winning by an even narrower 0.3% margin win over Republican Mike Rogers. It was the second closest Senate race - behind Pennsylvania - last year.

There are 35 Senate seats up for election next year. Michigan was already seen as a battleground state. This move by Peters will make it that much more of a GOP pick-up target.