In a packed union hall outside Detroit, a worker shifts the conversation from policy to the personal, quizzing Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on his knowledge of Michigan, the state he only recently started calling home.

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.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg's discussions with Michigan Democrats have led some to believe he's mulling a campaign for governor.

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.

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.