Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg has a little over 40 days remaining as an employee of a presidential administration. Yet, despite his time as transportation secretary coming to an end, many are convinced Buttigieg has a bright political future.

Michigan Democrats are charting their path forward after significant setbacks in the 2024 election. Come January, they will lose control of the state House, and their leading contender to succeed Gov.

Though Pete Buttigieg has publicly and privately stated that he won’t make any decisions about his future until after the Biden administration ends on Jan. 20, he has already fielded calls from Michigan Democrats urging him to enter the 2026 race.

The gay former South Bend mayor, presidential candidate and U.S. Transportation Secretary, who lives in Michigan, has remained mum about his future plans.