Tom Perez Elected DNC Chairman: Notables React to His Win

Thomas Perez speaks during a news conference April 21, 2016 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. (Getty)

Tom Perez was elected the new chairman of the Democratic National Committee after winning the vote at the organization’s winter meeting February 25.

Perez received 235 votes in the second round of voting, ahead of Keith Ellison’s 200. With 435 members voting, the threshold for victory in the second round was 218 votes. In his victory speech, Perez said he is appointing Ellison the deputy chair of the DNC.

Perez previously served as the United States Secretary of Labor (2013-2017) under President Barack Obama. He has also spent time as the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. His nomination in a tight race brought about many reactions from both sides of the political spectrum on social media.

Here are the reactions from around that web that you need to see:

President Donald Trump Congratulated Perez, Albeit Sarcastically

The president took to Twitter to wish the new DNC chair congratulations. Though the tweet could be interpreted as sarcasm, as he said he is happy “for the Republican party” following Perez’s victory.

Perez himself fired back on Twitter in reply to Trump’s tweet, saying that the Democratic Party will be Trump’s “worst nightmare.”

Bernie Sanders Endorsed Ellison, But Wished Perez Well

The former Democratic candidate for president was a vocal supporter in Ellison to be the chairman. Despite the loss, he wished Perez well and said he “looked forward to working with him.”

President Barack Obama Congratulated Perez, Saying He Will ‘Unite’ as Chairman

Obama appointed Perez as his labor secretary and referred to him as a “friend.” Both Obama and Perez attended Harvard Law School.

Hillary Clinton Said She Is Looking Forward to the Future of the DNC

The Democrat presidential nominee notably hired former DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz almost immediately after she was forced to resign. She resigned amid controversy from emails that were leaked which showed that she may have played a role in ensuring Clinton was the party’s nominee over Sanders.

Former president and Bill Clinton also weighed in on Twitter with a congratulatory message for both Perez and Ellison.

Appointing Ellison Deputy Chair Was DNC’s ‘Best Scenario’

With Donald Trump winning the presidential election and the election rigging controversy under Wasserman Schultz, pleas had been made from Democrats to unite the party and reformulate its way of campaigning.

Perez Thanked His Supporters on Twitter After the Announcement

Perez had been in what seemed like a dead heat with Ellison for the DNC chair position. After receiving the gavel, he said on Twitter how thankful he was for the support and having the opportunity to unify the party.

Ellison & Perez Posed for Pictures Afterward

The new DNC chairman and deputy chairman posed for pictures with their respective families following the results.

This post will be updated.

Tom Perez Elected Chairman of the Democratic National Committee

Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Tom Perez was elected the new chairman of the Democratic National Committee after a vote at the winter meeting February 25.

Click here to read & comment now

Chris Bucher is a sports, politics and general news contributor to Heavy. A University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh graduate, Bucher is the business editor at The Waukesha Freeman and the former sports assistant editor. You can follow him on Twitter @Buchage and reach him at chris.bucher@heavy.com.
February 25, 2017 6:47 pm