Tom Perez, former DNC chairman and Labor secretary, to join Biden White House

WASHINGTON − President Joe Biden has tapped Tom Perez, former Labor Department secretary and chairman of the Democratic National Committee, to join the White House as a senior advisor, assistant to the president and director of intergovernmental affairs.

Perez will replace Julie Chávez Rodriguez, who left as director of intergovernmental affairs last month to lead Biden's 2024 reelection campaign as campaign manager.

Perez, 61, served as labor secretary during President Barack Obama's second term after previously serving as assistant attorney general for civil rights at the Justice Department. Perez was elected as DNC chairman in 2017 and led the party until 2021.

"He brings decades of experience to my team, having served in local, state and federal government," Biden said in a statement Monday, calling Perez's perspective and relationships "invaluable" as his administration implements its domestic agenda. "I’ve known Tom for years and I look forward to working together again."

Perez, whose political career began as a council member in Montgomery County, Md., last year ran unsuccessfully for Maryland governor, finishing second in the Democratic primary behind Gov. Wes Moore.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tom Perez, former DNC chairman and Labor secretary, joins White House