LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - A surprising announcement from Michigan Democratic Senator Gary Peters on Tuesday. The Senator said after serving two terms in the Senate, he will not seek re-election in 2026. “It’s time for me to write a few more paragraphs in my current chapter and then turn over the reins,” said Sen. Gary Peters (D) Michigan.

LANSING — Second-term U.S. Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan announced Tuesday that he will not run for reelection, opening the seat for a successor in 2026. Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, has represented the battleground state since 2015.

The decision by Michigan Sen. Gary Peters not to run for a third term set off a political earthquake, igniting buzz about who could get into the race.

Michigan Sen. Gary Peters says he thinks it’s time to turn over the reins so he won’t be seeking a third term in 2026

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, who led the Democrats' Senate campaign efforts the past two election cycles, has announced he will not seek a third term in 2026, creating a highly contested battleground seat expected to be coveted by both parties.

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Sen. Gary Peters will not run for reelection, opening a key Senate race in 2026.

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, who led the Democrats’ Senate campaign efforts the past two election cycles, has announced he will not seek a third term in 2026, creating a highly contested battleground seat expected to be coveted by both major political parties.

After Sen. Gary Peters' surprise announcement, Michigan Republicans are hoping for their first Senate win in the 21st century.