Pete Buttigieg and Chuck Schumer Discuss Possibility of Senate Run
He remains uncertain about the Michigan race.
TroibNews 
Pete Buttigieg recently met with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to explore the possibility of a Senate campaign in Michigan, according to two individuals familiar with the discussions, who requested anonymity to speak about private matters.
The former Transportation Secretary remains undecided about a Senate run in his adopted state, but five sources familiar with the situation indicated that his meeting with Schumer signals that he is seriously considering the opportunity.
Democrats are eager to retain the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Gary Peters in a pivotal swing state, while Republicans view it as a prime opportunity to gain ground after narrowly missing out on flipping another Senate seat in the previous election cycle.
Since recently moving back to Traverse City, Michigan, with his young family after serving four years in the Cabinet under former President Joe Biden, Buttigieg's situation is a significant factor in his decision-making process. Alongside the Senate bid, he is also contemplating a presidential campaign for 2028.
So far, Buttigieg has not taken any official steps toward launching a Senate campaign. Some Democrats in Michigan noted his absence at a party gathering in Detroit last month, which could have helped him build support among state party leaders. However, other potential candidates, like state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, attended only to cast their votes.
McMorrow has announced her intention to run for the seat, while Rep. Haley Stevens has yet to make a formal decision but is taking steps toward a Senate bid, including staffing moves.
Regardless of Buttigieg’s choice, two sources indicated that he recognizes opportunities to influence the national political discourse in unconventional ways, such as through an appearance with Stephen Colbert on "The Late Show," where he plans to address President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress.
Sources said that Buttigieg is not interested in serving in a Republican-controlled Congress, where Senate Majority Leader John Thune determines his schedule for returning to Washington.
He has already ruled out a gubernatorial run, according to someone acquainted with his views who stated that he is “very seriously focused on a potential run for Senate.” Some Michigan Democrats, however, have actively encouraged him to compete for the governorship to follow term-limited Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
The field already includes several ambitious Michigan Democrats competing for the gubernatorial position, including Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, current Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who is running as an independent.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this report for TROIB News
The former Transportation Secretary remains undecided about a Senate run in his adopted state, but five sources familiar with the situation indicated that his meeting with Schumer signals that he is seriously considering the opportunity.
Democrats are eager to retain the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Gary Peters in a pivotal swing state, while Republicans view it as a prime opportunity to gain ground after narrowly missing out on flipping another Senate seat in the previous election cycle.
Since recently moving back to Traverse City, Michigan, with his young family after serving four years in the Cabinet under former President Joe Biden, Buttigieg's situation is a significant factor in his decision-making process. Alongside the Senate bid, he is also contemplating a presidential campaign for 2028.
So far, Buttigieg has not taken any official steps toward launching a Senate campaign. Some Democrats in Michigan noted his absence at a party gathering in Detroit last month, which could have helped him build support among state party leaders. However, other potential candidates, like state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, attended only to cast their votes.
McMorrow has announced her intention to run for the seat, while Rep. Haley Stevens has yet to make a formal decision but is taking steps toward a Senate bid, including staffing moves.
Regardless of Buttigieg’s choice, two sources indicated that he recognizes opportunities to influence the national political discourse in unconventional ways, such as through an appearance with Stephen Colbert on "The Late Show," where he plans to address President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress.
Sources said that Buttigieg is not interested in serving in a Republican-controlled Congress, where Senate Majority Leader John Thune determines his schedule for returning to Washington.
He has already ruled out a gubernatorial run, according to someone acquainted with his views who stated that he is “very seriously focused on a potential run for Senate.” Some Michigan Democrats, however, have actively encouraged him to compete for the governorship to follow term-limited Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
The field already includes several ambitious Michigan Democrats competing for the gubernatorial position, including Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, current Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who is running as an independent.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this report for TROIB News
