Michigan Sen. Gary Peters Announces Retirement, Won’t Seek Reelection in 2026

WASHINGTON — Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., announced Tuesday that he will not seek reelection in 2026, marking the end of a 16-year congressional career that included two terms in the Senate and three in the House of Representatives. The 66-year-old lawmaker, who has represented Michigan since 2009, said he plans to retire when his current term ends in January 2027.

In an exclusive interview with The Detroit News, Peters cited a desire to spend more time with his family, including a new grandchild on the West Coast, as a key factor in his decision. “I always thought there would be a time that I would step aside and pass the reins for the next generation,” Peters said. “I also never saw service in Congress as something you do your whole life.”

Peters, who chairs the Senate Homeland Security Committee and co-chairs the Auto Caucus, emphasized that he remains committed to his legislative duties during his final two years in office. “There’s still a lot of work to do,” he said, pointing to ongoing efforts on cybersecurity, border security, and disaster response through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

His retirement announcement is expected to trigger a competitive race for his Senate seat in Michigan, a key battleground state. Peters, who served as chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, expressed confidence that his party would retain the seat. “I’m confident the seat will stay Democratic, and I’m gonna do everything I can to make sure that that is indeed the case,” he said.

Peters, a Rochester Hills native, has been a vocal advocate for Michigan’s auto industry, the Great Lakes, and veterans’ issues. He played a pivotal role in securing funding for Selfridge Air National Guard Base and authored legislation to address toxic PFAS contamination and improve cybersecurity infrastructure. His annual motorcycle tours across Michigan have become a hallmark of his tenure.

Before entering politics, Peters worked as a financial adviser and served in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He began his political career on the Rochester Hills City Council in 1991 and later served in the Michigan Senate. After an unsuccessful bid for state attorney general in 2002, he was appointed Michigan Lottery Commissioner by then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

Peters was first elected to the U.S. House in 2008, defeating longtime Republican incumbent Joe Knollenberg. In 2014, he won a closely watched Senate race against Republican Terri Lynn Land, becoming the only Democratic Senate freshman elected during a Republican wave year. He secured a second term in 2020, defeating GOP challenger John James by a narrow margin.

Reflecting on his career, Peters highlighted his bipartisan achievements, including measures to support veterans with PTSD and legislation to bolster domestic semiconductor manufacturing. “Probably every bill that I’ve got passed is because I’ve actually walked over to the House, set up a meeting with the Republican leader, and built a relationship,” he said.

Peters ruled out running for governor or any other elected office after leaving the Senate. Instead, he expressed interest in teaching or policy work, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence and public technology access. “The PhD is still on hold right now, but who knows?” he joked, referencing his unfinished doctorate in philosophy at Michigan State University.

Peters’ departure will leave a significant void in Michigan’s congressional delegation, where he has been a leading voice on critical issues. His retirement follows that of Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., who stepped down earlier this year after 24 years in the Senate.