“BOLD PAC is proud to endorse Tom Perez for DNC chair, who would become the first Latino leader of the Democratic Party if elected,” BOLD PAC chairman Rep. Tony Cárdenas said. | Getty Perez endorsed by Hispanic caucus PAC for DNC chair

Former Labor Secretary Tom Perez has been endorsed by BOLD PAC, the political arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, in the race for chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

“BOLD PAC is proud to endorse Tom Perez for DNC chair, who would become the first Latino leader of the Democratic Party if elected,” BOLD PAC chairman Rep. Tony Cárdenas said in a statement obtained first by POLITICO. “As America’s demographics change and investments in the Latino community become more important than ever, we need a leader who will fight back when progress is threatened, inspire our party’s big tent, and prepare the grassroots infrastructure to position Democrats to win in elections ahead.”


The endorsement comes a few hours ahead of the third of six forums that the seven candidates for DNC chair are participating in and with about a month away from the actual vote. Perez is running against Rep. Keith Ellison, South Carolina Democratic Party chairman Jaime Harrison, New Hampshire Democratic Party chairman Ray Buckley, Idaho Democratic Party executive director Sally Boynton Brown and South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg.

“Tom will ensure that Latinos always have a seat at the table and a voice at the DNC. But more than that, he also has a long track record of ensuring everyone’s voice is heard and will undoubtedly continue this as DNC chair,” Cárdenas added.

All candidates have been eager to trot out endorsements not just from voting DNC members but top party figures and committees in the Democratic Party. Earlier in the day, Ellison’s team announced that he had the support of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson. Ellison is also supported by Rep. Raul Grijalva, a BOLD PAC member.