Pete Buttigieg
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, a Democrat and Traverse City resident, says he's not ruling anything "in or out" when it comes to running for governor in 2026, the Detroit News reports.
Craig Mauger of the News reports:
Buttigieg has privately met, in recent months, with several prominent Michigan Democrats. Three Michigan Democrats who declined to be identified previously said they had each spoken directly with Buttigieg, who wanted to get their thoughts on the lay of the land in state politics.
Buttigieg acknowledged the meetings on Monday, saying he had visited a couple of Michigan Democrats in their homes, which looked a lot like where he grew up in South Bend.
"A lot of transitions are ahead for communities in this state, as well as this state as a whole," Buttigieg said. "Whether I wind up running for office any time soon or not, it's something I care about and want to be involved in as a Michigander and somebody who's got a house and a family here."
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has indicated interest in running for governor as a Democrat. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan recently announced he's running for that seat as an Independent.
Genesse County Sheriff Christopher Swanson has also been mentioned as a possible Democratic candidate.
