Tom Perez, a civil rights attorney and former secretary of labor in the Obama Administration, this afternoon out-dueled U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison to become chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

The final vote tally was 235 votes for Perez and 200 votes for Ellison.

Perez’s win was big for New Jersey Democratic Committee Chairman John Currie, who backed him.

“I think hes going to do a great job,” NJ’s Democratic Party chairman told InsiderNJ. “As you know, I supported him, and I think he will untie the party.”

To see more of Perez, please go here.

On his first day as chairman, Perez punched out a debut email.

“If we’re going to organize and fight and win, it’s going to take folks like you at every level,” he blasted. “We need to strengthen our team from the grassroots up to build the party that empowers every single Democrat to fight for our progressive values and vision of opportunity and optimism. Our only chance at winning in 2017, 2018, and beyond — not only at the national level, but at every level — is to be united in a common purpose. And that has to start now. I’m ready to get started on all of the hard work we have ahead of us.”

Then he asked a contribution to the party of three dollars or more.