Labor Secretary Tom Perez enters a crowded field. | Getty Tom Perez formally jumps into DNC race

Labor Secretary Tom Perez on Thursday formally announced his candidacy for chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

"I'm in this race because we've got a lot of fighting to do, we've got a lot of advocating to do," Perez said Thursday during a conference call with state chairs during which he announced his run.


Perez's campaign website for DNC chair went up while he was speaking on the call. The front page of the website was titled "WHY I'M RUNNING FOR DNC CHAIR."

Perez enters an already crowded field. Rep. Keith Ellison, South Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Jaime Harrison and New Hampshire Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley are also vying for the spot.

During the call, before Perez made his announcement, a number of state party chairmen supporting the labor secretary's candidacy praised Perez. Calling the top labor official a "streetfighter," Maryland Democratic Party Chairman Bruce Poole said that while he liked the other candidates in the race, Perez is the right choice for DNC chair.

"There isn't anybody in the race that I don't like. But the reality is I just feel like Tom's the guy that's going to get us winning, and we need that," Poole said.

During a question and answer portion of the call Connecticut Democratic Party chairman Nick Balletto asked if Perez would try to run for governor of Maryland while running for DNC chair. Perez had been weighing a challenge to Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican.

"This is a fulltime job Nick. When I chatted with Bruce Poole and told him I decided to put my hat in the ring for this we had that conversation," Perez said. "You've got to have someone committed here for the long haul and I'm absolutely committed to that."

Ellison also released a statement during the call.

"Secretary Perez is a great public servant and I welcome him to the race," Ellison said. "I look forward to discussing how Democrats can speak to all Americans, harness the grassroots to turn out the vote, and strengthen our state and local parties.”

Former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, who was once regarded as a potential top prospect in the DNC chair race, said Thursday she was backing Perez. Asked if she would be encouraging undecided DNC members to back Perez, Granholm said "I'm in touch with those I know."