WASHINGTON Former Labor Secretary Tom Perez on Friday announced the support of several prominent Texas Democrats for his bid to chair the Democratic National Committee, including three voting members of the DNC.

The voting DNC members endorsing Perez are Celina Vasquez, Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa and Texas state Sen. Jose Rodriguez.

U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela (D-Texas), Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and former Houston Mayor Annise Parker also endorsed Perezs bid to lead the Democratic Party.

Tom Perez understands the complex challenges we have in Texas and understands the national party needs to make investments instead of treating Texas as an ATM machine, Hinojosa said in a statement announcing his endorsement. Tom is a friend, and if hes elected chair, he will speak to the broad tent of the party and has the experience to turnaround [sic] large complex organizations.

The string of endorsements adds to Perezs vote count as he courts the 447 party officials who will elect the next chair. Texas has several additional voting members who have not yet announced their support for anyones candidacy.

Fridays announcement also provides a publicity boost for Perez ahead of a regional forum for DNC candidates in Houston on Saturday.