DNC Chair Tom Perez Supports Puerto Rico Statehood

Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez supports statehood for Puerto Rico.

Perez, who has two Puerto Rican-born siblings and became the first Latino elected chairman of the DNC, told Politico in a statement that he believes Puerto Ricans deserve the same rights as those in the continental United States, and that statehood is the best option for full representation and equal rights.

Puerto Rice voted heavily in favor of seeking statehood in a recent non-binding resolution, though turnout was less than 25 percent, according to The Hill. The governor will select two senators and five representatives to request statehood in Washington, D.C.

A similar vote was held in 2012, but the result was disputed as opponents said turnout was too low to accurately represent the will of the people.

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