Tom Perez interested in DNC chair: report

Labor Secretary Tom Perez is eyeing the chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), Yahoo News reported Friday.

{mosads}“Anyone who knows Tom knows he will not be able to sit on the sidelines,” a source told Yahoo. “He has fought on behalf of working people, Democrats and progressive values his whole life. Like all Democrats, he’s trying to make sense of how best to continue that work, and DNC chair would be one of several fantastic platforms.”

A second Democratic source told Yahoo a “number of Democrats are floating” Perez’s name.

“They want someone who can rally the party and progressives,” the source said. “He’s wrapping up stuff at the Labor Department as we speak and trying to figure out how to make the most impact.”

Democrats are grappling with the DNC’s next steps after President-elect Donald Trump’s stunning victory over Hillary Clinton in this week’s presidential election.

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) has emerged as a top contender for the committee chairmanship. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Thursday endorsed Ellison’s potential bid, and likely future Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) reportedly backs him as well.

Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean announced on Thursday he would seek to return to the DNC’s chairmanship after previously serving in the role from 2005 to 2009.

And former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley on Friday said he is “taking a hard look” at the position as well.