 In 2006, Assemblyman Perry declared his candidacy for the 11th Congressional District in New York State, which was being vacated by retiring Congressman Major Owens, and for which four other Democratic Party candidates were contending.In May 2006 he withdrew from the congressional race, which was seen as potentially assisting the candidacy of City Councilwoman Yvette Clarke whose family also hails from the Caribbean.Yvette Clarke went on to win the seat with Assemblyman Perry's strong backing.