Gary Peters' exit creates a highly contested U.S. Senate battleground seat expected to be coveted by both major political parties.

Whitmer and bipartisan leaders vowed to defend Michigan’s automotive leadership and prevent Chinese-subsidized vehicles from undermining the U.S. market.

Pete Buttigieg, 43, a former presidential candidate who's viewed as a rising star by many in Democratic politics, had been floated as a potential candidate for governor next year.