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 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 to replace Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who is term-limited.

And I know that we’ve got six more weeks and we’re going to sprint through the tape,” Buttigieg told reporters on Monday at an event near Detroit. But the AP reports that he is already getting calls from Democratic leaders in the state to run for governor in 2026.

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.

Some Michigan Democrats, smarting after significant setbacks in November, are hoping Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will enter the 2026 gubernatorial race when his White House role ends next month.