Biography

Serving the Greater Detroit Region

As the first Democrat to represent this district since 1893, U.S. Rep. Gary Peters has focused his efforts on uniting our communities by fighting for the things that we can all agree on - a stronger local economy, more good paying jobs across our region and a fair chance for everyone to succeed.

When Gary was first sworn into office in 2009, the future of Michigan’s economy was in serious jeopardy. Following the collapse on Wall Street, our auto industry was on the verge of bankruptcy, thousands of Michiganders were out of work through no fault of their own, and many seniors wondered how they could ever afford to retire.

Gary Peters wasted no time getting to work.

In Congress, U.S. Rep. Peters partnered with the Obama Administration to ensure the survival of our local auto industry. When many skeptics in Washington argued against the American auto industry, Gary stood with Michigan workers and made sure that our manufacturers received the loans they needed. Today, Michigan's auto industry is roaring back and thousands of new jobs in our area have already been created.

As a member of the Financial Services Committee, Peters has worked hard to hold the bad actors on Wall Street that caused the recession accountable. When corporate executives rewarded their mismanagement with taxpayer funded bailout bonuses, Peters led the fight to recoup those funds. And, as one of just 10 House Democrats selected to serve on the Wall Street Reform Conference Committee, Peters played a central role in shaping the toughest financial reform law since the Great Depression. This landmark legislation eliminates future taxpayer funded bailouts, bans the irresponsible behavior on Wall Street that caused the recession and provides common sense financial protections for regular Americans.

Congressman Peters serves on the House Financial Services and Small Business Committees where he works to advance policies that will help Michigan's economy continue growing.

To learn more about Gary's latest work, click here.

To learn more about Gary's positions and work on the issues important to you, click here.

Michigan Values

U.S. Representative Gary Peters was born in Pontiac and has lived his entire life in the Greater Detroit area. Growing up, Gary learned the importance of hard work from his parents. His father worked as a public school teacher for more than 30 years and his mother worked at a local nursing home where she helped organize her workplace as an SEIU union steward.

A product of our public schools, Gary has always worked hard to succeed. And when he graduated from Rochester High School and went on to Alma College where he earned a B.A. in Political Science, he worked part time to help pay his way. Gary later went on to earn an M.B.A. in Finance from the University of Detroit Mercy, a law degree from Wayne State University Law School and a Michigan State University M.A. in Philosophy with a focus in the ethics of development while working a full time job and raising a family.

Gary worked for 22 years as an investment advisor where he helped families save for their retirement and provide for their children’s college education. Although he enjoyed a successful career in business, he felt the need to give back to the community.

Gary Peters began his public service as a Rochester Hills City Councilman in 1991. In 1994, Peters went on to be elected to the Michigan State Senate where he represented several communities in Oakland County including Southfield and Pontiac. While in the Senate, he served as the Democratic Caucus Chair and had more of his bills signed into law than any other Democratic Senator during that period. Peters later served as the Michigan State Lottery Commissioner where he generated a record amount of funding for our public schools.

The son of a World War II veteran, Congressman Peters served in uniform as a Seabee combat warfare specialist and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. After the September 11th terrorist attacks on our country, Congressman Peters signed up to again serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve. 

Gary and his wife Colleen have three children: Gary Jr., Madeleine and Alana.