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.”