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.

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.

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.