SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Former United States Presidential candidate and South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg announced on social media Thursday morning that he will not be throwing his hat in the ring for any of Michigan's big, upcoming races. 

Buttigieg, who has spent a lot of time in Michigan since moving to Traverse City in 2022, has had his name thrown around for both the race for Michigan Governor to replace Gretchen Whitmer and to fill one of the state's senate seats in 2026.

By keeping his name off the ballot for the state races, he leaves the door open for a possible presidential run in 2028.