WASHINGTON, D.C. (WENY News) -- Michigan Democrat Gary Peters announced Tuesday he will not seek reelection in 2026.  

The two-term senator was first elected to Congress in 2008, serving three terms in the House of Representatives. He has represented Michigan in the Senate since 2014. 

Peters served as head of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and oversaw efforts to elect Democrats to the U.S. Senate for the last two campaign cycles.  

Sen. Peters also served as chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee from 2021 to 2025 and is currently the ranking member on the committee.  

In a video statement today, Peters said there is still work to be done in the remainder of his six-year term. 

“After three terms in the House and two terms in the Senate, I believe now is time for me to write a few more paragraphs in my current chapter and then turn over the reins,” said Sen. Peters. “I have two more years remaining in my current term, and there's more work to do. I intend to continue my work on issues important to all Michiganders by working to lower cost, make sure everyone has the opportunity to succeed, feel safe in their community, and protect core American democratic values.”  

The announcement comes as a surprise to many. With Peters stepping down, Democrats lose a strong incumbent in a key swing state heading into the 2026 midterm elections. It could complicate Democrats' efforts to regain control of the Senate in 2026. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate.