In a major victory for the GOP, Michigan Senator Gary Peters, a Democrat, has announced that he will not be seeking re-election in 2026, leading some to speculate that the state, which is generally thought of as blue, could turn red after the upcoming midterm election.
For background, on January 28, 2025, Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) announced that he was not running for re-election in a YouTube video, saying that after serving three terms in the House and two in the Senate, it was time for him to move on. Sen. Peters, 66, is among several other Democratic lawmakers who announced their resignations in early 2025, along with Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).
Announcing his retirement online, Sen. Peters told his constituents that it was time for him “to write a few more paragraphs in my current chapter and then turn over the reins,” adding, “I will therefore not seek reelection in 2026.” In response, conservative journalist Eric Daugherty called the news “MASSIVE,” adding that it was “VERY possible” that Michigan would turn red “after Democratic incumbents decide not to run.”
Following Sen. Peters’ announcement, former Republican Senate candidate John James said, “Brighter days are ahead for Michigan!” in a post on X, leading conservatives to call on James to have “one more run at it.” One X commenter wrote, “We need Michigan Republicans in office to do more. Michigan is very unsafe. Too many break-ins and car thefts. Shut down the sanctuary city business.”
In addition to Sen. Peters, Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) also announced that she was not running for re-election on February 13, 2025, in an op-ed for the Minnesota Star Tribune, explaining that she would “keep fighting to uphold our shared values and get things done to the very best of my ability.” She continued, “While I’ll be sad to leave the Senate in two years, today I am full of hope for the future—and pride for the things we’ve been able to accomplish.”
Likewise, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) shared the news of her upcoming resignation online on March 12, 2025, saying, “I ran for public office to make a difference for the people of New Hampshire. That purpose has never, and will never, change.” She continued, “But today, after careful consideration, I’m announcing that I have made the difficult decision not to seek reelection to the Senate in 2026. It’s just time.”
Responding to the news that the three senators were all resigning, conservative influencer Scott Presler celebrated online, saying, “WOW! 3 democrat Senators have announced they are NOT seeking re-election in 2026,” going on to list the three senators’ names before adding, “It just keeps getting worse for democrats — these are all swing states.”
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Replying to Presler online, prominent conservative Shawn Farash called the resignations “yet ANOTHER incredible indicator,” adding, “It also means the new leadership at the DNC… David Hogg and co will be vetting their replacements.” Another commenter chimed in, “I love it! Democrats money-laundering machine turned off so midterms are ripe for MAGA.”
Featured image credit: Sen. Gary Peters via X