US: Ex-labor secretary Tom Perez elected DNC chair

NEW YORK

Democratic National Committee has elected former Labor Secretary Tom Perez as its new chairman after a hard-fought race against Representative Keith Ellison.

Perez was one vote shy after the first ballot held Saturday, but received enough support in the second to become the first Latino chairman of the Democratic Party’s governing body.

Backed by progressives and championed by 2016 presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, Representative Ellison -- who would have been the first Muslim chairman -- received 200 votes in the second round against Perez’ 235.

After the result was announced, Perez appointed Ellison as deputy chairman. “I am asking you to give everything you have got to support Chairman Perez,” Ellison told his supporters.

Perez served as Labor Secretary from 2013 to 2017 under the second Barack Obama administration. He had the support of heavy-hitters in the party establishment, including former Vice President Joe Biden and former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.

Obama has expressed support for Perez but avoided publicly endorsing him.

In a statement, the former president congratulated Perez for his win and his decision to appoint Ellison.

"I know that Tom Perez will unite us under that banner of opportunity, and lay the groundwork for a new generation of Democratic leadership for this big, bold, inclusive, dynamic America we love so much," Obama said.

Before the vote Saturday, Perez point out the need to “redefine the role of the DNC” and change its culture.

“The way we do that is to build strong parties is to organize, organize, organize,” he said. “You will always have my ear and I will always have your back.”

The Democratic Party suffered a heavy blow at the presidential and Congress elections last November.

Donald Trump scored a surprise victory against Hillary Clinton for the Republican Party, which retained its control of both houses of Congress, setting in motion a four-year tenure ripe for lasting change.