Labor Secretary Tom Perez is officially announcing his bid to head the Democratic National Committee.
The Obama administration official says the party's state organizations have "atrophied" and must be rebuilt. He's pledging to listen to Democrats across the country to strength the party's bench.
Perez is launching his bid with a new website and a hosting a call with DNC members. He'll be challenging Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison, who's attracted early backing from top Democrats and labor unions. Ellison, the first Muslim-American elected to office, has faced opposition from some Jewish groups, who have raised questions about his comments about Israel.
Perez, who is a Buffalo native, argues that he can most effectively manage the various interests of the Democratic Party.
