Buttigieg Eyed for Michigan Governor: A Risky Democratic Play?
Facing electoral losses and internal divisions, Michigan Democrats are seeking a unifying figure to lead the party after Governor Whitmer’s term ends. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who recently relocated to Michigan, is being urged to run for governor in 2026, potentially becoming the state’s first openly gay governor. His high-profile national experience could revitalize the party, although he has yet to announce any political plans. The potential of a Buttigieg candidacy is generating significant enthusiasm among Democrats and LGBTQ+ communities.