Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan, has been named the next director of the Center for the Political Future at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, it was announced Monday.
After Peters completes his term in January, he is expected to step into the role, bringing nearly two decades of experience in Congress, according to USC.
Peters will also be appointed the Carmen H. and Louis Warschaw Endowed Chair in Practical Politics, taking over the position from Robert Shrum, who is retiring.
He is expected to serve alongside Republican strategist Mike Murphy, who will remain co-director, university officials said.
Founded in 2018, the center brings together political leaders and strategists at USC to engage students and foster civil dialogue.
Peters was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2008 and served until 2015, when he joined the Senate. He was re-elected in 2020 and has served as the senior senator from Michigan since succeeding Debbie Stabenow upon her retirement in January 2025.
“I see this as a capstone to my years in public service and an opportunity to help prepare the next generation to take the reins,” Peters said in a statement. “CPF has done a terrific job bringing people with different perspectives together. I’m excited to build on Bob Shrum’s accomplishments and work with Mike Murphy to encourage more young people to get involved in our democracy and show that people who disagree can still find common ground and get things done.”
Peters has plans to expand the Center for the Political Future’s presence in Washington, D.C., using USC’s Capital Campus as a base for courses and programs that connect students more directly with policymakers and the government. He is expected to divide his time between Washington and Los Angeles.
USC Dornsife Dean James Bullock said that Peters brings an extraordinary combination of public service, bipartisan leadership and real-world experience getting things done in Washington.
“He has spent his career showing that you can hold strong political convictions and still work productively with people who see the world differently. I’m especially excited about what his leadership will make possible for our students, both in Los Angeles and in Washington,” Bullock said.
Sen. Rick Scott, R-Florida, who worked with Peters on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, described him as “a consistent, bipartisan partner who was always willing to work across the aisle and deliver real results for the American people.” He added, “I know he will carry that same thoughtful, collaborative spirit with him to USC, and I look forward to seeing what this new partnership produces.”