Former Vice President Joe Biden has endorsed former Labor Secretary Tom Perez to lead the Democratic National Committee, Politico reports.
"I've known Tom Perez for a long time. He's a man of integrity and vision," he said in a statement. "And he knows what it means to be a Democrat — that we are a party that fights for economic fairness for working families and believes that everyone is entitled to be treated with dignity, regardless of who they are, where they come from, or who they love."
This marks Biden's first political act since leaving service, and the clearest sign that former President Barack Obama's top administration officials will give him their support.
"And with Tom, it's personal, as it's always been for me. He's never forgotten where he comes from and he's anchored by a fundamental optimism in our country and the belief that ordinary people can do extraordinary things if given just a fair chance," Biden continued.
"We have a lot of good people vying for this important job. But I do think for this moment and in this time, Tom Perez is our best bet to help bring the party back. I've watched him work. I think I know his heart. That's why I endorse him as the next Chairman of the DNC," he concluded.
"Vice-President Biden is known for loyalty to people he has worked with, and I can certainly appreciate him wanting to support Tom, who worked in the Administration," said Perez's chief rival for the DNC chair, Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, in a statement to Politico. "Democrats in every community tell me that winning elections is the number one job of the next DNC chair. I have won 16 primaries and general elections."