MIDLAND, Michigan — Former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg is on a mission in 2026, crisscrossing the United States with an ambition not just to support Democratic candidates, but to forge a broad and inclusive political coalition ahead of the 2028 presidential race. Unlike some of his potential rivals who are concentrating on localized campaign efforts, Buttigieg has taken a more expansive route, making his presence felt from the battlegrounds of Pennsylvania to the deep-red districts of Georgia.

A source close to Buttigieg revealed to POLITICO that he has been on the road for nearly half the year, visiting states pivotal not only for their electoral value but also as arenas where he can demonstrate his commitment to a diverse array of Democratic causes and candidates. Notably, he isn’t just promoting standard party fare. At Mi Element Grains & Grounds in Michigan, after supporting local candidate Chedrick Greene, Buttigieg underscored his approach: “The basic idea is to make myself useful to candidates and causes that I care about and that we all need to succeed."

Buttigieg’s travels have also been aimed at addressing past criticisms, particularly his engagements with the Black community. From commemorating the Bloody Sunday anniversary in Selma, Alabama, to discussing economic development with Black entrepreneurs in Birmingham, these efforts represent a conscientious attempt to strengthen ties with African American voters—a demographic that proved elusive during his 2020 presidential bid.

Reflecting on this outreach, a source described it as a "natural extension" of his previous campaign and administrative roles, emphasizing that "engagement in those spaces and showing up in 2026 is going to be a huge indicator of who's going to be the leader of this party.”

His campaign trail anecdotes also include moments that seem lifted from literature, with Buttigieg often comparing the daily impacts of political decisions on individuals’ lives to narratives akin to those in James Joyce’s “Ulysses." This narrative technique underscores his commitment to the "politics of everyday life," aiming to connect with voters on a deeply personal level.

Moreover, Buttigieg’s efforts to build what he terms a “supermajority coalition” reflect a strategic pivot in Democratic strategy, suggesting a broader, more inclusive approach that contrasts sharply with some competitors' more divisive tactics. This strategy became evident during his event in Pennsylvania with Bob Brooks, a local firefighter and congressional candidate who supports Medicare for All—a policy Buttigieg has historically opposed.

In the coming weeks, Buttigieg plans to expand his campaign efforts into North Carolina and even redder states like Oklahoma and Montana, demonstrating his belief that the Democratic message can resonate in traditionally conservative areas. His involvement in promoting "The Montana Plan," a ballot initiative aimed at reducing corporate political spending, highlights his ongoing commitment to reformative politics.

As Buttigieg continues his 2026 journey, his actions suggest a clear, if ambitious, blueprint for not just rallying the Democratic base, but expanding it. Through a combination of targeted campaigning, policy advocacy, and personal engagement, Buttigieg is not only redefining his political identity but also attempting to reshape the future contours of the Democratic Party.

Like this content? Consider signing up for POLITICO's Playbook newsletter.