The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which usually backs Republican candidates, on Wednesday endorsed Democrat Scott Peters is his bid for a third term in Congress.
It was the second time that the influential national business organization, which represents more than 3 million companies, has supported Peters, who is seen as a centrist in a divided Congress.
“The reforms and investments we need to support job creation and the entrepreneurs that drive our innovation economy take cooperation from both sides,” said Peters. “I appreciate this endorsement because it recognizes my ability to work with both political parties to break through the gridlock and get things done.”
Peters has picked up a number of endorsements from San Diego business organizations, including Biocom and the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, but he is one of the few Democrats nationwide to win the support of the U.S. chamber.
The endorsement comes amid rising tensions between the chamber and the Republican Party under Donald Trump, who has campaigned against foreign trade pacts like the 22-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement and new Trans-Pacific Partnership. Peters voted in favor of the TPP, a trade agreement involving 12 Asian nations.
“We need more pragmatic and commonsense leaders like Scott Peters. Peters is focused on getting things done for the 52nd District, not scoring political points,” said Rob Engstrom, the U.S. chamber’s national political director.
Peters is being challenged in the 52nd district by Republican Denise Gitsham, a lawyer and public relations executive who is seeking her first elected office.