The governor of Rhode Island appears as the main candidate for the Department of Commerce

Gina Raimondo, the governor of Rhode Island, has emerged as a top candidate for the post of trade secretary to President-elect Joe Biden, according to people familiar with the matter.

Why does it matter: Raimondo, a Rhodes scholar who co-founded a venture capital firm in Rhode Island early in her career, has prioritized good relationships with the business community, the target audience of commerce.

  • However, Raimondo also clashed with unions while working to reform the pension plans of public employees in Rhode Island.
  • He also served as national co-chair for Mike Bloomberg’s presidential campaign, supporting Biden only after the former New York mayor resigned.
  • A transitional official Biden declined to comment.

The whole picture: Biden had thought of a prominent director or a Republican to head the Commerce Department.

  • Given Raimondo, he seems to be moving to a more traditional choice.
  • Raimondo, 49, a former president of the Democratic Governor’s Association, is seen as a rising star in her party.

Intrigue: Raimondo was also considered to serve as secretary of health and human services, a job that eventually went to California Attorney General Xavier Becerra.

  • In early December, she appeared to step down, saying during a news conference: “I will not be nominated by President-elect Biden for HHS Secretary.”

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