NEW: Pete Buttigieg Gets Brutal Update On His Potential Run For Senate

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s potential bid for the U.S. Senate is already facing stiff opposition, as new polling suggests he would trail former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI) in a hypothetical matchup.

With Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) set to retire in 2026, the race for his seat is heating up. Buttigieg, who previously served as mayor of South Bend, Indiana, changed his residency to Michigan several years ago, citing his husband’s family ties to the Traverse City area.

However, despite his national profile, the poll suggests he could struggle to gain traction in a state that leans slightly red in key statewide races.

A recent Epic MRA poll of 600 likely Michigan voters found that Rogers leads Buttigieg 47% to 41%, with 12% of respondents still undecided. The poll, conducted between Feb. 3 and Feb. 8, carries a margin of error of ±4%.

The survey’s political breakdown showed 45% of respondents identified as Republicans, 40% as Democrats, and 12% as independents—a landscape that could pose challenges for a Democrat like Buttigieg in a general election.

Sacramento, California USA – Feb 14 2020

Rogers, a former congressman and chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, has strong ties to Michigan politics and has already positioned himself as a formidable GOP candidate. Other potential candidates in the race include Republican Rep. John James and Democratic state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, both of whom could shake up the dynamics of the primaries if they enter, according to WLNS.

McMorrow gained national attention in 2022 for a viral speech countering Republican attacks and has since been seen as a rising star within the party.

Former Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, who ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2018, is also being mentioned as a possible candidate.

Buttigieg previously served as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2014 while still serving as mayor of South Bend. He was elected mayor in 2011 at age 29, making him one of the youngest mayors of a city with over 100,000 residents.

His tenure focused on economic revitalization, but he also faced criticism over policing policies and racial tensions in the city. During his 2020 presidential run, he gained national prominence, positioning himself as a centrist and an alternative to the party’s more progressive wing.

He made history by winning the Iowa caucuses and becoming the first openly gay presidential candidate to secure a primary victory. However, his campaign lost momentum before Super Tuesday, leading him to drop out and endorse Joe Biden.

Following Biden’s victory, Buttigieg was appointed Secretary of Transportation in 2021, making him the first openly gay person confirmed to a Cabinet position. His tenure was marked by criticism over his handling of supply chain disruptions, airline delays, and the Ohio train derailment.

With 2026 still far off, the race remains fluid, but the early numbers indicate Buttigieg would have an uphill battle if he chooses to run.

With Michigan remaining a crucial swing state in national elections, both parties are gearing up for what is expected to be one of the most competitive Senate races of the 2026 cycle. Democrats will aim to hold onto the seat, while Republicans see it as a prime opportunity to gain ground in the Senate.