Former Democratic presidential nominee and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Thursday he won't run for Michigan governor or the state's open Senate seat – keeping open the door for a second White House bid in 2028.

"I care deeply about who Michigan will elect as Governor and send to the U.S. Senate next year, but I have decided against competing in either race," he wrote in a post on the social media platform X. 

"I remain enthusiastic about helping candidates who share our values - and who understand that in this moment, leadership means not only opposing today’s cruel chaos, but also presenting a vision of a better alternative," his post continued.

Buttigieg is also a former mayor for South Bend, Indiana. He moved to Traverse City, Michigan, soon after his unsuccessful bid to win the Democratic nomination in the 2020 presidential race.