MI Senate: Gary Peters (D)
PROFILE
About Peters:
Gary Peters is a Democratic member of the U.S Senate from the state of Michigan. Peters was sworn into the Senate on January 6, 2015. Peters is currently seeking re-election on November 3, 2020 for a second Senate term against Republican challenger John James.
Peters was born and raised in Pontiac, Mich. As the son of a World War II veteran and a union steward, Peters graduated from Alma College with a B.A in Political Science. Following graduation, he started his career working a full-time job while raising a family. Peters continued his studies and earned his M.B.A. in Finance from the University of Detroit Mercy, a law degree from Wayne State University Law School and an M.A. in Philosophy from Michigan State University with a focus on the ethics of development.
Peters briefly served as a city council member for Rochester Hills, Mich., from 1991-1992. The following year, the Democratic senator volunteered in the U.S Navy Reserves where he earned a Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist designation and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. In 1994, Peters served in the Michigan State Senate. After the September 11th terrorist attacks, he volunteered again for drilling status. He also earned a diploma from the College of Naval Command and Staff, U.S. Naval War College.
In 2008, Peters was elected to the House of Representatives under Michigan’s 9th Congressional District and was re-elected in 2010. Following his time in the House, Peters ran for the U.S. Senate in 2014 and won over 50% of the vote against his opponent Terri Lynn Land.
In the 116th Congress, Peters serves as ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. He also serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and the Joint Economic Committee.
Peters’ bipartisan efforts have earned him endorsements from a number of non-partisan organizations such as the Lugar Center and the Center for Effective Lawmaking.
Peters resides in Oakland County, Mich., with his wife and three children.
