 He was a resident of East Lansing and was married to Margaret D. Richardson.Potter was an 1895 graduate of the University of Michigan Law School, and a member of the Michigan Senate from the 15th District, 1899–1900; Barry County Prosecuting Attorney, 1909–12; he became a candidate in the primary for Governor of Michigan, 1924.He served as Michigan Attorney General from 1927 to 1928 and resigned when he was appointed justice of Michigan Supreme Court.