Greens, unions would cheer if Gary Peters gets Harris VP nod

By Brian Dabbs, Andres Picon | 07/31/2024 06:20 AM EDT

The Michigan senator has focused on passing bills with bipartisan support.

Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.)

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chair Gary Peters (D-Mich.) at the Capitol. Francis Chung/POLITICO

A new face from Michigan is emerging in the race for Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate — one that would add policy heft to the Democrats’ quest for the White House.

While Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has garnered attention in recent weeks as a potential addition to the presidential ticket, the veepstakes rumor mill is now shifting to a lower-profile Michigan Democrat with close ties to unions and widespread support from environmental groups.

Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and an architect of the Democratic Senate victory in 2022, is said to be in contention.

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Peters represents a backbone of the Democratic “blue wall” in presidential elections, and some experts there say he could help Harris win — and also help sell the ticket’s energy and environment policies.

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