Buttigieg at Crossroads: Senate Bid or White House Run as GOP Blames Him for Aviation Chaos
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg finds himself at the center of America’s political storm this week – weighing a critical career decision while fending off attacks from Trump administration officials over recent aviation disasters.
The Michigan Dilemma
Sources close to Buttigieg confirm he’s considering a 2026 Senate run in Michigan following Sen. Gary Peters’ retirement announcement. The move would position him in a key battleground state, but allies warn it could complicate presidential ambitions. David Axelrod, former Obama strategist, told PBS: “I don’t think you can run for Senate in 2026 and run for president in 2028… that would be very, very hard.”
Transportation Turmoil
The political calculus comes as new Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy (R) – former Fox News host and Real World star – blamed Buttigieg for three fatal U.S. plane crashes since February. In a fiery X exchange:
“Mayor Pete failed for four years to address… our outdated, World War II-era air traffic control system,” Duffy posted, defending his dismissal of nearly 400 FAA staff.
Buttigieg shot back: “How many FAA personnel were just fired? What positions? And why?”, sparking renewed debate over aviation safety under the new administration.
The Progressive Counterpunch
Undeterred by attacks, Buttigieg remains focused on Democratic strategy. At a University of Chicago event with Axelrod last week, he reportedly outlined plans to counter Trump-era policies through his Win The Era PAC – which has already backed progressive candidates nationwide.
The Road Ahead
- Senate Pathway: Would require establishing Michigan residency while maintaining national profile
- Presidential Prep: Could mirror Obama’s trajectory from Senator to President
- GOP Target: Conservatives increasingly attack his DOT record and 2021 paternity leave
Political analyst Jamal Simmons notes: “Buttigieg’s ability to weather these attacks while positioning for higher office will test whether Democrats truly have their next generational leader.”
