Tom Perez

Tom Perez is an American politician and attorney who served as the Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) from February 2017 to January 2021. Prior to his tenure at the DNC, Perez held significant roles in the United States Department of Labor, including serving as the United States Secretary of Labor from 2013 to 2017, appointed by President Barack Obama.

Early Life and Education

Tom Perez was born on October 7, 1961, in Buffalo, New York, to Dominican immigrants. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in international relations and political science from Brown University in 1983. Following his undergraduate studies, Perez pursued a Master of Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and later obtained a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School.

Career

Early Career

Perez's early career was marked by his work as a civil rights attorney at the United States Department of Justice, where he focused on issues such as voter rights and hate crimes. He later served as the Director of the Office for Civil Rights at the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

Maryland Politics

In 2002, Perez was elected to the Montgomery County Council in Maryland, where he served until 2006. He was noted for his advocacy on behalf of working families and his efforts to improve healthcare and public education systems in the county.

Department of Labor

In 2009, Perez was nominated by President Obama to be the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. In 2013, he was nominated and confirmed as the Secretary of Labor. During his tenure, Perez focused on issues like workplace safety, wage theft, and rights for unionized workers.

Democratic National Committee

In February 2017, Perez was elected as the Chair of the DNC, succeeding Debbie Wasserman Schultz. His election came at a critical time for the Democratic Party, following significant losses in the 2016 elections. As DNC Chair, Perez emphasized rebuilding the party at the state and local levels, increasing fundraising efforts, and enhancing voter protection and engagement initiatives.

Personal Life

Perez is married and has three children. He is known for his advocacy on behalf of the Latino community and his efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the political landscape.

Legacy and Influence

Perez's leadership at the DNC and his tenure as Secretary of Labor were marked by his commitment to civil rights and labor issues. His efforts to reform the DNC and to mobilize grassroots support have had a lasting impact on the Democratic Party's strategy and policy direction.