Tom Perez

Thomas Edward "Tom" Perez is an American politician, attorney, and public servant who has held several prominent positions in U.S. government. Born on October 7, 1961, in Buffalo, New York, Perez is the son of Dominican immigrants. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in international relations and political science from Brown University in 1983, followed by a Juris Doctor and Master of Public Policy from Harvard University in 1987. His early career included roles as a law clerk and civil rights attorney, notably serving as the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Department of Justice from 2009 to 2013. Perez then served as the 26th U.S. Secretary of Labor under President Barack Obama from 2013 to 2017. In 2017, he became the first Latino to chair the Democratic National Committee (DNC), a position he held until 2021. Perez has also been involved in Maryland politics and served as a senior advisor to President Joe Biden in 2023–2025 .

Throughout his career, Perez has been recognized for his commitment to civil rights, labor advocacy, and public service. He has worked to promote economic opportunity, protect workers' rights, and ensure equal access to justice. Perez's leadership has been marked by efforts to bridge divides and build partnerships across political and social spectrums. His tenure as DNC chair was characterized by a focus on rebuilding the party infrastructure and engaging with grassroots activists.

Perez is known for his thoughtful and impactful quotes on justice, equality, and public service. He has stated, "With patience, persistence, and partnership, we can create economic opportunity for every person willing to work hard for it" . Another notable quote reflects his dedication to civil rights: "We can't understand what we've accomplished on civil rights without telling the story of Bayard Rustin" . These statements underscore his belief in the power of perseverance and the importance of recognizing the contributions of all individuals in the pursuit of justice.