New York Mayor Bill de Blasio on Wednesday endorsed Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) in his bid to chair the Democratic National Committee (DNC).
“The Democratic Party stands at a crossroads, and needs leadership that will expand our vision to more Americans — while also intensifying our commitment to our core values. Keith Ellison is that leader,” De Blasio told NBC News.
Ellison, who launched his bid to head the DNC last month, has received an array of endorsements within his party, from liberal favorites like Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) to congressional leaders like incoming Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.).
{mosads}The Minnesota congressman’s run for the position comes as the Democratic Party rebuilds its platform in the wake of President-elect Donald Trump’s win over Hillary Clinton.
Since the election, Ellison has emphasized the need for Democrats to regain support among the working class as it prepares for Trump’s incoming administration.
De Blasio said that because Ellison is “a unifier who worked tirelessly for both Bernie Sanders and then Hillary Clinton, he will bring the party and the grassroots together while broadening and deepening the Democratic Party’s connections to the American people.”
The Hill reported Tuesday that Labor Secretary Tom Perez will launch a campaign for DNC chair this week.
Ray Buckley and Jamie Harrison, the party chairmen of New Hampshire and South Carolina, respectively, are also in the running.