The chairman of the Democratic National Party, Tom Perez, on Tuesday said socialist political candidates like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are the "future" of the party.

Ocasio-Cortez, a self-described "democratic socialist" who defeated a top House Democrat in a recent primary election, symbolizes where the party is headed, Perez told "The Bill Press Show."

"I have three kids. two of them are daughters. One just graduated college, one who is in college - and they were both texting me about their excitement over Alexandria because she really – she represents the future of our party," Perez said.

Perez said he had "great respect" for Rep. Joe Crowley, D-N.Y., who unexpectedly lost his primary race to the 28-year-old newcomer last week. "He's a good Democrat ... he's fought the good fight."

The Obama-era Cabinet official said Ocasio-Cortez and Ben Jealous, a socialist running for governor in Maryland, are examples of "spectacular" candidates the party believes represents its future.