(WLNS) — Things aren’t over yet for Gary Peters.
The U.S. senator from Michigan will retire from the Senate when his term ends in 2026, but he said he will not leave.
Peters has built his career working across borders. He authored and signed 19 bills during the 117th Congress, more than any U.S. senator in 40 years. He often draws attention from nonpartisan evaluators for his effectiveness. Peters’ most important achievements include the regulation of permanent chemicals and the protection of the Great Lakes.
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 3: U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) speaks during the Senate Democratic Conference at the U.S. Capitol on October 3, 2025 in Washington, DC. The federal government shut down early Wednesday as Congress and the White House failed to reach a funding deal. (Photo by Kevin Dickey/Getty Images)
On this week’s episode of The Moment, Peters discusses health care, his retirement and bipartisanship.
“Now is a good time to step back, take on other challenges, and let others serve their communities and their country,” Peters said, noting that mobility is “good for democracy.”
Asked whether finding common ground is more difficult now given today’s polarized political climate, Peters said it is.
“The hope is that people will dig deep into partisan foxholes,” Peters said, adding that voters should demand greater bipartisanship from representatives and senators. “That’s not how democracy is designed to work. Democracy can’t work if we’re all in our own little silos. We have to get out of that silo.”
Also in this episode: Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, discusses vaccine policy.
This interview with Gary Peters originally aired on last week’s episode of Capital Crisis.
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