Tony Dungy worked hard to achieve one of the most legendary coaching runs in NFL history.
However, some of his most important work has come since retiring from the league.
And now the Hall of Famer may be ready to rumble in this sudden battle royal.
Election Day 2026 could make for a rough night for Republicans
Republicans won big on election night in 2024.
Not only did Donald Trump reclaim the White House, but the GOP flipped the U.S. Senate red.
The Republican Party now holds a 53-47 advantage in the upper chamber – a four-seat flip.
However, those hoping for a repeat in the 2026 midterms may be in for a big disappointment.
The 2024 map was filled with pick-up opportunities for the GOP.
Retiring incumbents and Democrats in red states – and Trump turning out his voting base – made for fertile ground for Republicans.
However, look back at the 2022 midterms.
All the metrics lined up to make it appear as though Republicans would take control of the Senate.
However, the map didn’t cooperate.
Republicans and Democrats had relatively even levels of offense and defense in battleground states.
In the end, it was Democrats who netted a pickup.
Meanwhile, the 2026 map looks to be largely a status quo map.
It could be argued that the best pick-up opportunities are in Ohio and Florida where newly appointed Republican U.S. Senators, Jon Husted and Ashley Moody will both have to win special elections to fill out the remainder of J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio’s terms.
North Carolina also presents a possible pick-up for Democrats.
Meanwhile, the best flip opportunity for Republicans appears to be in Georgia.
However, one retirement announcement in a swing state could turn out to be a game-changer.
Democrats searching for Gary Peters’ replacement
Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) has declared he will not seek re-election in the next cycle.
The 66-year-old started in politics back in 1994 when he ran for the Michigan State Senate.
He moved to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2009 – and was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2015.
In a social media video, Peters cited wanting to spend more time with his family and seeking new chapters outside of public service as his reasons for not running for a third term in the upper chamber.
He also vowed to help Democrats keep his seat in 2026 – and there are plenty of options.
Rumors are already swirling around the beltway that ex-Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg – who recently moved to the Wolverine State – is interested in running and sees Peters’ seat as the best way to keep him in politics.
Meanwhile, Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) is termed out of office in 2026 and could also be a top contender for the seat.
Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) – who is also a member of the radical “Squad” – is one of four members of Congress who could be looking for a promotion.
Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist and Attorney General Dana Nessel could also be big-name options.
And two Democrat Michigan State Senators, Sarah Anthony and Mallory McMorrow have already expressed interest.
Republicans could turn to a big-name
With the purple state seat up for grabs, the Republican side to replace Peters is even more wide open.
But the most intriguing name could be someone new to the political world – Tony Dungy.
The Super Bowl-winning NFL Head Coach has dived into the culture wars in recent years.
The Hall of Fame former coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts has been one of the loudest voices for the pro-life movement and has actively campaigned against abortion laws and amendments all over the country.
The Evangelical Christian has Wolverine State roots, being born and raised in Jackson, Michigan.
But if Dungy decides to run, he could be part of a very crowded GOP primary field.
RINOs former Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel, ex-Congressman Peter Meijer, and failed 2024 U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers are all seen as potential candidates.
Ex-Congressman Rogers isn’t the only recent losing candidate to be rumored as eying a run for Peters’ seat.
2024 Republican Senate candidate John James, 2022 Republican Gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon, and her primary opponent in that race Kevin Rinke have all expressed interest.
Meanwhile, three Republican Congressmen and several former state-wide elected officials could also join the race.
Whoever comes out on top in the GOP primary will likely determine if Michigan is a true pick-up opportunity for Republicans, or if the seat will remain uncompetitive.
