The United Farm Workers on Monday endorsed Labor Secretary Tom Perez to head the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

"Tom Perez is a civil rights leader, a labor champion and an organizer who has successfully run large organizations," UFW President Arturo S. Rodriguez said in a statement.

"That is why the United Farm Workers endorses him to lead the Democratic National Committee."

ADVERTISEMENT

This is the first time the group is backing a candidate to lead the DNC.

"But these are different times and Tom Perez is a different kind of candidate," Rodriguez said.

In the statement, Rodriguez commended Perez for his past accomplishments, calling him "a different kind of candidate."

"He has been a lifelong friend of labor and immigrants. When farm workers needed him, Tom Perez stood up and fought," the statement said.

"He understands the value of hard work starting from his days laboring on the back of garbage trucks to help put himself through college."

Perez has also advocated for advancing civil rights and justice, Rodriguez said, adding that he has dedicated "his entire life to leveling the playing field for all.

"Tom’s record proves he is not afraid of a fight and he understands the responsibilities that come with leadership," the statement added.

"We need a leader who can get things done, not one who will divide our country. We need a unifier who has stood for the very values for which Cesar Chavez fought. That person is Tom Perez."

Perez earlier this month joined the race to head the DNC, emphasizing the importance of "strong progressive leadership that can deliver results."

His candidacy throws a wrench into early front-runner Rep. Keith Ellison's (R-Minn.) bid, as the race to helm the fractured party continues to take shape.

The AFL-CIO has endorsed Ellison, while the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union says it will back Perez.