Democratic Sen. Gary Peters won’t run for re-election in Michigan in 2026, creating a pivotal open Senate seat in one of the most tightly divided battleground states in the U.S.

The Democratic former transportation secretary lives in Traverse City and could run for the seat being vacated by Sen. Gary Peters.

Michigan Sen. Gary Peters has announced he will retire at the end of his term. The 66-year-old Democrat revealed Tuesday that he won’t seek re-election in 2026, saying he wants to move on to a “new chapter” by spending more time with family and riding his Harley Davidson down “winding roads.