In an exciting development for LGBTQ+ political representation, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel are currently leading early polling for the 2026 U.S. Senate primary in Michigan. Their potential election could result in two openly LGBTQ+ members in the Senate, a historic milestone.
The current senior U.S. senator from Michigan, Sen. Gary Peters, recently announced his decision not to seek reelection. His announcement has sparked speculation about Buttigieg's possible candidacy. Buttigieg, who resides in Traverse City, Michigan, where he and his husband, author Chasten Buttigieg, bought a home in 2022, is reportedly considering a run.
Poll Results Favor Buttigieg and Nessel
A recent poll conducted by Blueprint Polling reveals that Buttigieg enjoys a 77% favorability rating among likely Democratic primary voters, making him the most popular potential candidate. Dana Nessel follows closely with a 72% favorability rating. No other Democrat approached these numbers, with Michigan's Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist holding a distant third place with a 45% favorable rating.
When participants were asked which candidate they would vote for, 40% chose Buttigieg, while Nessel received 16% support. Additionally, 30% of respondents were undecided, indicating room for shifts in voter preference.
In a scenario where Buttigieg does not run, Nessel leads with 39% support, with 37% of respondents undecided. Gilchrist falls to second place with only 9% backing. The early polling underscores the dominance of these two prominent LGBTQ+ figures within the Democratic field, although the political landscape may evolve over the next two years.
Impact on LGBTQ+ Representation
Currently, only one openly LGBTQ+ individual serves in the U.S. Senate—Sen. Tammy Baldwin from Wisconsin. Previously, Sen. Laphonza Butler temporarily held a California Senate seat following Sen. Dianne Feinstein's passing but resigned after a brief tenure. Meanwhile, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema chose not to seek reelection in 2024.
Buttigieg, who made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ presidential candidate to win a state's primary (Iowa, 2020), has confirmed he is "taking a serious look" at a Senate run. According to Axios, a source close to Buttigieg indicated that he is considering all options to continue serving and contributing to the public good.
"I'm excited at the possibility of Buttigieg running," stated Rep. Mark Schauer of Michigan. "His talent is evident from his time as Transportation Secretary and throughout his campaign efforts."
Nessel has gained national attention for her vigorous prosecution of those involved in Michigan's 2020 false elector scheme, where individuals falsely claimed to represent Michigan's Electoral College votes for the GOP. Her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, including securing a state supreme court ruling against anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination, has cemented her status as a champion of equality.
The Road Ahead
As a purple state, Michigan presents a competitive landscape where Democratic primary voters seek candidates who align with their values and possess electability in the general election against Republican contenders. While Kamala Harris narrowly lost Michigan in the 2024 presidential race, Democrat Elissa Slotkin secured a Senate victory by a slight margin.
Nessel's spokesperson, Kimberly Rush, expressed Nessel's satisfaction with her reception among Democratic voters and indicated that she is exploring the open Senate seat as a path to continue her impactful work.
The evolving dynamics of Michigan's political arena, coupled with the potential candidacies of Buttigieg and Nessel, promise to shape the future of LGBTQ+ representation in the U.S. Senate. As the 2026 election approaches, the efforts of these leaders to champion equality and progress will undoubtedly resonate with voters across the state and beyond.
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