Our thoughts are with all Americans braving Hurricane Michael. Please stay safe and take care of each other.
In Celebration of National Coming Out Day

Democrats stand with the LGBTQ community in the fight for dignity and equality for all people, no matter who they love or how they identify. This November, more openly LGBTQ candidates than ever before will represent our party at the ballot box. And we’re working around the clock to make sure they get elected up and down the ballot. Check out our #NationalComingOutDay video, and make sure to read Earl Fowlkes piece in the Washington Blade this week.

Employees Deserve Paid Leave to Vote

In election after election, American workers are forced to choose between their paycheck and their vote. This is simply unacceptable in the world’s greatest democracy. I teamed up with Rep. Matt Cartwright to highlight to importance of paid voting leave for American workers. Check out the full piece here.

Our democracy works best when more people participate, not fewer. Let’s make sure everyone can make their voice heard on Election Day.

The Trump Administration Continues Turning Back the Clock on Civil Rights

This week, the Senate confirmed Eric Dreiband as the new head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. When I led the that division under President Obama, we made it our mission to protect the rights of all Americans – from prosecuting hate crimes and workplace discrimination to fighting voter suppression and holding police departments accountable.

Eric Dreiband’s career is anathema to that mission. Not only does he lack the experience necessary to lead such an important division, he has also fought aggressively against critical civil rights legislation. He testified against bills designed to protect women and older Americans from discrimination in the workplace, and he has spent years attacking fair employment practices that help individuals with criminal records rebuild their lives and contribute to society.

Enough is enough. It’s time to stop Donald Trump and Republicans from abusing the powers of the federal government to protect powerful interests at the expense of the vulnerable. Let’s make our voices heard on Election Day.

We Need Bold Action on Climate Change

The world’s foremost experts on climate change have released a report stating that global warming will approach dire levels by as soon as 2040. These scientists are urging policymakers to take bold action to mitigate impending damage caused by climate change. It’s long past time for Republicans to stop pretending climate change is a hoax.

We shouldn’t have to wait until Mar-a-Lago is underwater for President Trump to care about the consequences of climate change. We must act boldly and decisively today to protect our economy, our country, and our planet. This is one storm we cannot wait out.

Getting Out The Vote in Wisconsin

I had a blast helping to get out the vote in Wisconsin! We’ve made unprecedented investments this cycle because these elections are about unlocking opportunity in every ZIP code with leaders like Tony Evers, Mandela Barnes, and Tammy Baldwin, who will fight for our values.

Have a great weekend, and see you out on the trail!

Yours,

Tom
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Tom Perez
Chair
Democratic National Committee

One of my favorite parts of the job as DNC Chair is getting out of Washington to see what’s happening on the ground all across America. From the energy and enthusiasm I saw this week, I’m confident that we have the grassroots support to win all across the country in November, but we’ve got to keep organizing and mobilizing to get out the vote.

Here’s what I’ve been up to:

On Monday, I returned to my hometown of Buffalo, N.Y. to support Nate McMurray, a strong, passionate Democrat running for Congress in New York’s 27th District. New Yorkers are fired up and ready to elect Democrats like Nate to lead the way on health care, the economy, and good government.

On Wednesday, I spoke to Michigan Democrats at the launch of their Latinx voter engagement program. From what I saw, they’re going to get out the vote like never before for our impressive slate of Democrats including Gretchen Whitmer, Gretchen Driskell, and Elissa Slotkin.

On Thursday, I spent the day in Central Florida speaking with  voters in Polk County, and specifically engaging the Puerto Rican community  in Kissimmee, Florida. We discussed the importance of electing Andrew Gillum, Bill Nelson and Democrats up and down the ticket.

On Friday, I spoke at the New Jersey Democratic State Convention to fire up the crowd for the midterms. We have a lot of great candidates running in the Garden State, and in November, we have the opportunity to build on the incredible success we had in New Jersey in 2017.

La devastación provocada por el huracán María merecía acción rápida y concreta, pero los republicanos decidieron observar y esperar. En noviembre, iremos a las urnas para responsabilizar a los líderes republicanos por su inacción en tiempos de crisis.

On Thursday night, I joined members of the Power4PuertoRico coalition in front of the White House to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Maria as part of their National Week of Action – “Boricuas Remember.” The vigil was organized to honor and remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost as a result of Hurricane Maria, show our solidarity with the Puerto Rican people, and call out the president for his failed response.

As the families of the deceased still mourn and seek answers, the president has had the gall to deny the truth about the death toll in Puerto Rico while declaring that he did a fantastic job. This is the terrible cost of incompetence and cruelty in the Oval Office. Democrats believe that the federal government has a solemn responsibility to protect American citizens, especially in the wake of natural disasters. And we will hold Trump and Republican lawmakers accountable for their failure to lead on Election Day.

1) We Deserve Answers on the Kavanaugh Allegation

Dr. Christine Blasey Ford has bravely agreed to testify before the Judiciary Committee, asking only for equal time, appropriate security, and a fair investigation. Republicans have no reason to deny her these reasonable requests.

There’s no need to rush this process. There’s too much at stake to allow Kavanaugh to be confirmed to a lifetime appointment to our country’s highest court without first knowing more details about such a serious allegation.

2) Trump’s Anti-Immigration Agenda

When it comes to immigration, this White House’s cruelty, policy failures, and gross abuse of presidential power are on full display. This week, we learned more about Trump’s shameful activities on immigration:

• The administration will cap the number of refugees that can enter the country at the lowest level in the program’s history.
• The administration has lost track of 1,500 more immigrant children, on top of the nearly 12,800 that remain separated from their families.
• An ICE official continues to stand by his characterization of the inhumane immigrant detention centers as  “summer camp.”
• Trump suggested he would use unilateral executive powers to push his immoral, anti-immigrant agenda before the midterms.

The only permanent solution to stopping Trump’s cruel agenda is to elect Democrats who will fight for American values and hold this administration accountable at the ballot box.

I spoke with Washington Post’s Jonathan Capehart on his “Cape Up” podcast; you can listen to it here or read about it here. We discussed the progress we’ve made, including the forty-three state legislative seats that we’ve helped flip from red to blue all over the country since Trump’s election. We also talked about the incredible enthusiasm we’re seeing among voters who are hungry for change, and how we need to channel that energy into votes this November.

This is the most important election of our lifetime, and you bet we’re going to show up to the polls to fight for our democracy.

Building Bridges, Not Walls

Last weekend in Chicago, we passed the strongest reforms to our presidential nominating process in decades. These reforms will grow our party, increase transparency, and restore trust among voters. By expanding primaries, making caucuses more accessible, encouraging same-day registration and same-day party switching, and reducing the influence of superdelegates, we are putting Democrats in the best position to win elections in November, in 2020, and beyond.

Andrew Gillum is poised to become the first Black governor of Florida. While his opponent has already resorted to racist dog-whistles, Mayor Gillum is spending his time talking about the issues that matter to Florida families.

It’s an exciting time to be a Democrat. We have the wind at our backs. Now we need everyone to commit to vote for Democrats up and down the ballot. Our momentum will carry us into the midterm election.

Registering Young Voters in Wisconsin

After we left Chicago, I joined DNC Secretary Jason Rae and a terrific slate of candidates to register voters at University of Wisconsin – Madison. Our visit was part of our New Blue Crew initiative, which is mobilizing young voters on their campuses by recruiting and training leaders to conduct voter registration and commit to vote efforts.

Remembering John McCain

This past weekend, America lost a hero. John McCain devoted his life to serving his country, and the U.S. Senate will not be the same without him.

It was his profound sense of moral duty, not partisan politics, that guided his decisions as a legislator and a leader. As Senator McCain said, ‘Americans never quit. We never surrender. We never hide from history. We make history.’ Whether it was fighting alongside his fellow servicemembers in Vietnam or standing up for his values on the Senate floor, John McCain never quit. He never surrendered or hid from history. He made history, and our nation will be forever grateful for his service.

I wrote about my admiration for Senator McCain’s character and his special friendship with my own mentor Ted Kennedy, who passed away nine years before McCain, on the same day of the same disease. You can read my piece, “The Maverick and the Lion,”  here.

Happy Labor Day

The American labor movement transformed our nation and made our economy the envy of the world. From the 40-hour workweek and overtime pay to workplace safety and the fight for equal pay, workers have organized for the better wages, benefits, and conditions they deserve.

But today, that progress is under assault. Instead of celebrating workers and building an economy that works for everyone, the Trump administration and Republicans continue to attack unions while rewarding their wealthy allies at the top. Donald Trump has signed executive orders to weaken federal unions, appointed Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court to strip rights away from workers and organized labor through the Janus decision, and proposed reorganizing the federal government in a way that would dismantle the Department of Labor.

As Trump and Republicans in Congress escalate their attacks on American workers, Democrats will continue fighting to expand opportunities for the middle class and build an economy that works for everyone.

I wish you a happy and restful Labor Day weekend, and I look forward to fighting by your side for workers and a brighter future for all Americans.

Yours,

Tom
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Tom Perez
Chair
Democratic National Committee

We kicked off this week with the public launch of our “Seat at the Table” Tour, a joint Democratic initiative from the DNC, the Congressional Black Caucus PAC, and Black women mayors. We know that Black women are the backbone of the Democratic Party. And through this tour, we’ll be working to rebuild relationships, restore trust, and organize in Black communities across the country. You can read more about our launch and the incredible work of our Director of African-American Outreach, Waikinya Clanton, in Refinery 29.

As part of the tour, Vice Chair Karen Carter Peterson and I had the opportunity to hold a roundtable discussion this week with Black women at Essence Fest in New Orleans. This dialogue has never been more important. We are committed to investing in and organizing in Black communities year-round — that means making sure we’re running Black candidates for office, investing in Black communities, and lifting up Black voices in everything that we do as a party. And it means making sure that we don’t take any state or any ZIP code off the table.

Donald Trump made a campaign promise to “drain the swamp.” Instead, he brought in people like Scott Pruitt—one of the most corrupt Cabinet members in modern American history. For more than a year, Pruitt abused his power and shamelessly wasted taxpayer dollars, and Trump stood by him in scandal after scandal.

The one thing Scott Pruitt didn’t do with taxpayer funds was his job. Instead of protecting our environment, he protected polluters and put our children’s health and economic future at risk—and Trump’s new acting administrator, former coal lobbyist Andrew Wheeler, is set to follow in his footsteps. The American people are watching, and they will hold this administration accountable for its corruption.

DNC staff was out in full force last weekend registering voters and marching at the #FamiliesBelongTogether rally.

This administration’s inhumane treatment of families separated at the border is unacceptable, and Democrats are fighting every day to reunite children with their parents. After joining protesters in Brownsville earlier last week, I was proud to join our DNC family at the rally outside of the White House.

While keeping thousands of children separated from their parents, the Trump administration is also going after the brave members of our armed forces. Despite Trump promising a path to citizenship for immigrants serving in uniform, many of these heroes are now being discharged from the military without reason. “It was my dream to serve in the military,” said Army reservist Lucas Calixto. “Since this country has been so good to me, I thought it was the least I could do to give back to my adopted country and serve in the United States military.” People like Lucas deserve better. We must defend those who protect our freedoms each and every day.

Earlier this week, the Trump administration announced plans to encourage the nation’s school superintendents and college presidents to cease considering race as a factor in their admissions decisions.

The issue of affirmative action has come before the U.S. Supreme Court before, and it will again. If you believe that everyone should have a fair shot at a good education, organize for Democrats, vote for Democrats, and elect Democrats up and down the ballot in November.

On Wednesday, I joined millions of Americans reflecting on the freedoms so many have fought for and so many continue to defend every day.

Even as we celebrated our nation’s independence this week, we recognize that America’s founding promise remains out of reach for too many families. Too many members of our society are still struggling to find a good-paying job or get the health care they need. Too many women, LGBTQ Americans, people of color, and people with disabilities still face inequality and injustice across our society.

The Democratic Party believes that all people are created equal – no matter who they are, where they come from, who they love, or how they pray. And we will continue to fight for the values of inclusion and opportunity for everyone.

Yours,
Tom
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Tom Perez
Chair
Democratic National Committee

A couple of weeks ago, I traveled to Orlando to spend more time with some of the families displaced by Hurricane Maria. I listened to their stories of suffering and their pleas for support, and I heard from community leaders and elected officials about what they’re doing to help the tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans relocating to the mainland. The common thread in these conversations is that Gov. Rick Scott and the Trump administration have not done nearly enough to help these families.

I published a piece in the Orlando Sentinel this week about the failures of President Trump and Gov. Rick Scott to bring some relief to the struggling island. You can read the full piece here in English and the Spanish version here.

We can honor the lives lost that night by recommitting ourselves to the fight for a world where no one faces discrimination, where no life is taken by hatred or bigotry, where everyone is treated with respect and dignity – no matter who they are or who they love. As we celebrate Pride Month, we recognize that the fight for LGBTQ equality is far from over, and the Democratic Party will continue to stand with LGBTQ communities in America and around the world who are fighting for the rights they deserve.
Trump’s Heatless Abandonment of Domestic Abuse And Gang Violence Victims

Cruel. Sick. Heartless. Inhumane. There simply aren’t enough words in the English language to fully capture the depravity of this administration, which ended asylum for victims of domestic abuse and gang violence this week. This is an attack on some of the most vulnerable people in our society, and it will affect thousands of families fleeing violence and seeking safety for themselves or their children.

Democrats believe diversity and compassion are our nation’s greatest strengths. And we will continue the fight to protect and expand opportunities for these families and all Americans.

Fighting for A Free and Open Internet

A free and open internet is critical to our democracy. By undoing net neutrality this week, Donald Trump’s FCC is threatening online equality in a way that could hurt our economy and hamper our nation’s potential for innovation. As of this week, wealthy internet service providers will be able to play favorites, leaving millions of Americans with slower and more expensive internet.

But while Republicans punish the American people so they can fill the pockets of big telecom corporations, Democrats believe the internet must remain a level playing field. That’s why House Democrats are demanding a vote to restore net neutrality. And that’s why Democrats will keep fighting to make sure everyone can benefit from the power and potential of our nation’s technology.
Yours,
Tom
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Tom Perez
Chair
Democratic National Committee

Women Are Leading the Way

We had another terrific Election Day on Tuesday, with primaries in Iowa, South Dakota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, Alabama, Montana and California, and a special election in Missouri. And the message was clear: women are leading Democrats up and down the ballot, across the country.

The future is bright for Democrats in all of these states. Women are running on the Democratic platform – and they’re winning in record numbers. And the DNC is organizing and investing in base communities to push Democrats across the finish line.
Just look at what’s happening in South Dakota, where our SPIF grant is helping the state party organize Native American communities to send Billie Sutton to the governor’s office and Tim Bjorkman to Congress.

Last night, we learned that the Trump administration is going to bat for big insurance companies so they can once more deny health care to people with pre-existing conditions. This is morally reprehensible.

No one should be discriminated against just because they’re sick. That’s why President Obama and Democrats enacted historic protections for people with pre-existing conditions and prevented insurance companies from charging people higher rates because of their health status. And the American people overwhelmingly support these provisions.

If Donald Trump and Republicans get their way, millions of Americans will be at risk of losing their health coverage. These are our children, parents, grandparents, and those who need health care the most. This kind of health care sabotage is unprecedented, and we won’t let them get away with it. Like most Americans, Democrats believe health care is a right for all, not a privilege for a wealthy few. We will fight back, and the American people will make their voices heard by voting Republicans out of office for their senseless attacks on families all across this country.

Immigrants make our nation stronger every day. And Democrats will always fight Republicans’ anti-immigrant agenda because we know that diversity is America’s strength. We believe that what it means to be an American is not decided by birth or bloodline, but by the values we share. As we celebrate the contributions immigrants make to America, let’s recommit ourselves to the values of inclusion and opportunity for all – no matter where you come from. Those are the values we’re fighting for every day at the DNC.

Yours,
Tom
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Tom Perez
Chair
Democratic National Committee

Again. Again we are heartbroken. Again a preventable tragedy. How many more children will be murdered before lawmakers take action? How many families destroyed and communities shattered? Our thoughts and prayers are with the Santa Fe victims and their families, but thoughts and prayers are not enough. Our students are demanding action. The families of victims are demanding action. It’s time to change our laws to protect our children.

We cannot accept the reality that America is a place where we allow our children to be slaughtered and do nothing about it. We must come together as Americans and do everything we can to ensure that horrific attacks like this become a thing of the past.

In happier news, our team put together a two-day conference this week to celebrate women in the Democratic Party featuring speakers like Kirsten Gillibrand, Sally Yates, Maxine Waters, Pramila Jayapal, Grace Meng, Jennifer Granholm, Jason Kander and many more. We even had a surprise visit from Hillary Clinton to kick things off with a reminder that our future is in diversity and inclusivity!

Last Sunday, we also released a special Mother’s Day video featuring our very own Amanda Brown Lierman, the DNC’s Political and Organizing Director, and her daughter Belle. Check out the video here:

Nebraska, Oregon, Idaho, and Pennsylvania
It was another exciting Election Day for Democrats on Tuesday, and Democratic women led the way. In Nebraska, Jane Raybould, Jessica McClure, and Kara Eastman defied expectations and won their primary races. And Nebraska Democrats had more than 600 Democrats running across the state in this week’s primaries.

In Idaho, Paulette Jordan won the primary and is on her way to becoming the nation’s first Native American governor. In Oregon, Kate Brown, Jamie McLeod-Skinner, and Suzanne Bonamici won their primaries, and Val Hoyle was elected commissioner of Labor and Industries. And in Pennsylvania, a state that has an all-male congressional delegation and hasn’t sent a woman to Congress in years, seven women won Democratic primary races. Helen Tai flipped Pennsylvania’s 178th state House District in a special election – an area represented by Republicans for 35 years!

Legislative Victories

We also had two major legislative victories this week with the defeat of the Republican farm bill on Friday, and the passage of a Democratic net neutrality bill in the Senate.

The GOP farm bill was a bad bill, plain and simple, and its defeat is a victory for the American people. But make no mistake, 198 House Republicans voted to take food off the tables of hungry families — including seniors, students, children, people with disabilities, and veterans. The farmers of America and the millions of families they feed deserve better.

And while Republicans continue to put the wallets of big telecom companies and their lobbyists over the best interests of their constituents, Democrats believe that an open internet is fundamental to free speech, innovation, and a competitive economy. Democrats will fight harder than ever to keep the internet a level playing field, where the reach of one’s voice is determined by quality of ideas — not by a handful of CEOs.
North Carolina Teachers’ Rally

This week, thousands of North Carolina teachers rallied to demand a pay raise and more funding for education.

Democrats are proud to stand in solidarity with the thousands of North Carolina teachers organizing and raising their voices to demand better wages and more resources for their classrooms. No teacher should be forced to work a second job to make ends meet. No teacher should have to pay out of pocket for school supplies. But instead of listening to educators, Republicans in North Carolina have prioritized tax cuts for corporations and the top 1% time and time again. Governor Roy Cooper and Democratic legislators are ready to act now for better schools, competitive pay, and an education system that prepares students to compete in the modern economy. Our students and teachers deserve nothing less.

Celebrating Ramadan
As Muslim Americans join Muslims around the world to observe the holy month of Ramadan, celebrate the revelation of scripture, and engage in peaceful reflection and faithful fasting, it’s an opportunity for Americans of all backgrounds to celebrate the religious freedom we all share. We are also ever mindful of those Muslims throughout the world who face violence, political upheaval, and civil unrest due to religious conflict.

Democrats believe that our diversity is our strength. We celebrate the fact that Muslim Americans are our friends, neighbors, and family members, and that their contributions to our culture, commerce, and public life have profoundly enriched our nation. We reject the vilification of Muslims and oppose efforts to ban people of any faith from entering our country based on their religion, and we will do everything we can to protect religious minorities and the fundamental right of freedom of religion. We wish Muslims everywhere a peaceful, safe and blessed Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak!

Dems Live

Finally, on Dems Live this week, DNC Vice Chair Grace Meng, DNC Deputy Chair Keith Ellison, and DNC staffers Phil Kim and Vedant Patel talked about the power of the AAPI community and the importance of getting out to vote in 2018, 2020 and beyond. Check out the latest episode here.

Yours,

Tom
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Tom Perez
Chair
Democratic National Committee

Election Day

Democrats were out in full force at the polls on Tuesday in Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, and North Carolina. I was fired up to be in Cincinnati encouraging folks to mobilize, organize, and vote for Aftab Pureval for Congress and Rob Richardson for treasurer.

Candidates like Aftab and Rob give me so much hope for our party’s future. And as we head toward November, I’m looking forward to joining them and so many amazing Democrats on the campaign trail to make sure we’re electing the kind of leaders the American people deserve.

We owe so much to the teachers in America. They devote countless unpaid extra hours, unwavering patience, and unconditional love — all so our kids can have a fair shot to lead the best life they can dream.

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, I’m particularly grateful for the incredible work of AFT and NEA members, as well as all of the amazing educators at our public schools across the country. My parents always taught me that education is the great equalizer. That’s why Democrats are committed to supporting our educators with the resources, wages, and benefits they need and deserve every step of the way.

The DNC’s Rules and Bylaws Committee met earlier this week to review the Unity Reform Commission’s report and address other party business. I want to applaud them on their incredible work. We’ve still got work to do, but they’ve already passed critical reforms that will help our party be more united and successful at the ballot box.

At the DNC’s March meeting, the full DNC took the step of advancing the most significant reforms to the party’s presidential nominating process in decades. DNC members voted to accept the principles of the Rules and Bylaws Committee report that calls for reducing the influence of unpledged delegates (commonly known as ‘superdelegates’) in the presidential nominating process, expanding the use of primaries, taking steps to protect the right to vote, making our caucuses more accessible, increasing transparency in our party and increasing grassroots participation. These reforms will continue to make our party more competitive in every ZIP code in 2018 and beyond.

The RBC has since been working to implement any necessary changes to the rules, bylaws, call or through charter amendments if need be. The main item on the agenda for this week’s meeting was consideration and drafting of the 2020 Delegate Selection Rules that will be presented to the full DNC for its adoption at the August meeting. Delegate selection rules primarily focus on the primary and caucus reforms recommended by the Unity Reform Commission.
They hammered out the following draft rules changes over the last couple of days:

• Incorporating the recommended reforms from the Unity Reform Commission’s report to expand the use of primary and make caucuses more open, transparent, and accessible
• Updating the equal division language to include gender non-binary delegates
• Strengthening voting rights by calling for state parties to create grassroots voter protection infrastructure and advocate for same-day or automatic registration

Recommendations related to “superdelegates” and other party reforms changes will be considered in the convention call and through potential charter amendments that will take place at next month’s meeting in Providence, RI on June 8 and 9.
The 2020 primary must be transparent and fair to all candidates. This is critically important work, and while we still have a lot of work left, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made.

On this week’s episode of Democrats Live, DNC Deputy Chair Keith Ellison hosted Senator Elizabeth Warren for a discussion on the power of elections to effect meaningful change in the lives of the American people. They talked about the Democratic Party’s new IWillVote campaign to reach 50 million voters between now and November to engage, educate, and mobilize for victories up and down the ticket in 2018 and beyond.

I just want close by wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day weekend. Like so many of you, I’ll be spending this weekend with my family, reflecting on the strength and generosity of my own mother, as well as the mother of my kids – my incredible wife, Ann.

As Democrats, we’re working every day to improve the lives of mothers across the country – from our fights for equal pay and paid maternity leave, to affordable child care and access to early education programs.

So let’s take time this weekend to thank or remember the mothers in our lives. And let’s continue to show our respect and appreciation for them in the work we do every day.

Yours,

Tom
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Tom Perez
Chair
Democratic National Committee

This week we launched a new online hub called I Will Run that streamlines all of the tools a candidate might need in order to run a successful campaign. Through this first-of-its-kind hub, Democratic candidates will have access to a list of best-in-class tools and vendors – digital, finance, research, security, training, and voter outreach – that they will need through the life cycle of a campaign, complete with negotiated pricing.

Check out our launch video on NowThis:

American workers are second to none. As we honor their contributions on International Workers’ Day, we should also celebrate the history of the American labor movement and all those who organized to improve working conditions, expand opportunity, and lift millions of families into the middle class. Our brothers and sisters in labor have fought tirelessly for the 40-hour workweek, overtime pay, the minimum wage, retirement security, better health benefits and safer workplaces. Their victories continue to inspire workers abroad who are striving in their home countries for the same opportunities to prosper and build a brighter future for the next generation.

We also honor the deep tradition of public service that runs in the AAPI community. And Democrats have continued to help elect AAPI leaders so that those in elected office better represent the diversity of our country. In the last year, Democrats Kathy Tran and Kelly Fowler became the first Asian American women elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, while Vin Gopal was the first Indian American elected to the New Jersey state Senate and Manka Dhingra’s victory flipped control of the Washington state Senate, giving Democrats full control of the state government.

While we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, Democrats will continue working every day to protect civil rights and expand opportunities for AAPI communities across the country.

Happy Cinco de Mayo to all those celebrating in the Mexican-American community tomorrow. And to all of the DNC members who are Star Wars fans, May The Fourth Be With You. Have a great weekend, everyone.

Yours,

Tom
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Tom Perez
Chair
Democratic National Committee

An Act of Unprecedented Treachery

Today, the DNC filed a complaint in federal court against the Trump campaign, Russia, and Wikileaks to hold them accountable for their brazen attack on our democracy.

During the 2016 presidential campaign, Russia launched an all-out assault on our democracy, and it found a willing and active partner in Donald Trump’s campaign. This constituted an act of unprecedented treachery: the campaign of a nominee for President of the United States in league with a hostile foreign power to bolster its own chance to win the presidency.

No one is above the law and the perpetrators of this attack must be held accountable. They successfully hacked the Democratic Party in 2016 and they will be back. We must prevent future attacks on our democracy, and that’s exactly what we’re doing today. This is not partisan, it’s patriotic. If the occupant of the Oval Office won’t protect our democracy, Democrats will. It is our obligation to the American people.

You can read the full lawsuit here.

When I spoke to the National Action Network’s Annual Conference last year, shortly after I had been elected DNC Chair, I made a promise that we would do more to include communities of color and voters who felt taken for granted by our party. This week, I was proud to address the conference again to honor the legacy of Dr. King and give them an update on the progress we’ve made at the DNC.

Over the past year, we made historic investments across the country in engaging and mobilizing African American voters, recruiting African American candidates, and speaking to African American voters about the issues that matter most to them.

2017 was a good year for our candidates. And if we keep organizing, 2018 is going to be historic. Up and down the ballot, we’re working to ensure that our leadership represents the diversity of our people, and we’re organizing communities of color through our new IWillVote program like never before.

This past Tuesday was Tax Day, and with it came another reminder of the disastrous tax bill signed by Donald Trump. Trump and Republicans promised their bill was written for the middle class, that it would create jobs, spur investment and wage growth, and that it would pay for itself. Those were all lies.

The truth is that the Trump tax scam was designed by Republicans to reward their donors and give massive windfalls to Wall Street, big corporations, and the wealthiest Americans. More than 80% of its benefits by 2027 will go to the top 1%. The worst part? It all comes at the expense of American workers like Jim and Lois. Watch their story here.

We’ve got 200 days until Election Day, which means we have 200 days ’til the weekend. And we can’t let up for a second. That’s why I was so excited for the chance to sit down with a diverse group of social media influencers and young activists to discuss the importance of reaching out to young voters and convincing them to go to the polls this on Election Day.

These young Americans give me so much hope for our nation’s future. They are fearless leaders, and they will make their voices heard. You can watch our conversation here.

With the passing of Barbara Bush this week, America has lost a tireless public servant. From championing literacy to promoting awareness and destigmatization of AIDS, the former first lady put the values of inclusion and equality into action, and there’s no doubt that the world is a better place because of her invaluable service.

With grace and compassion, Mrs. Bush brought her sense of humor and steady moral compass to the White House. She never ceased in her work to strengthen our nation.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Bush family as they mourn their loss and celebrate her legacy.

Yours,
Tom
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Tom Perez
Chair
Democratic National Committee