One-time Democratic National Committee Chairman Ed Rendell is backing Indiana mayor Pete Buttigieg to take over leadership of the party, The Hill reported.
"After a year of historic division within the Democratic Party, I believe we need a fresh face at the helm of the DNC," Rendell said. "We need someone who understands the needs and values of middle class Americans and what that means in different parts of the country. Someone who will be an innovative thinker not wedded to solutions proffered only inside the Beltway.
"I believe that person is (South Bend, Ind.) Mayor Pete Buttigieg."
Rendell, the former Pennsylvania governor, joins three other former DNC chairmen, Steve Grossman, David Wilhelm, and Joe Andrew, who also support Buttigieg.
Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota and former Labor Secretary Tom Perez are believed to be the two frontrunners in the race. The Hill noted 224 DNC member votes are needed to win the post. The vote is scheduled for next Saturday in Atlanta.
Perez received the highest-profile support when he won the endorsement of former Vice President Joe Biden, The Washington Post reported.
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