Zoom out: In the 2024 election, Buttigieg helped former President Biden raise money, and he moonlighted as one the campaign's top surrogates and fundraisers. Many donors interpreted his enthusiasm as a clear sign that he planned to run statewide in 2026 or for president in 2028.

Mike Rogers (R), who narrowly lost his Michigan Senate race in November, on Thursday indicated he’s ready to try again. The surprise announcement from Democratic Sen. Gary Peters (Mich.) that he will retire in 2026 is set to create a highly contested battle for his successor in a battleground state President Donald Trump narrowly carried in 2024.