Scott Turner has been confirmed as the new Secretary of Housing and Urban Development following a 55-44 vote.
Turner served as a Texas state representative and was the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council director during Donald Trump’s first term, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. His confirmation marks a significant appointment in support of Trump’s domestic agenda.
Turner garnered bipartisan support, with only two Democrats—Senators Peter Welch and John Fetterman—voting in favor of his nomination, reported Fox 4 KDFW.
A bit about Scott Turner: He is a former professional football player, mentor, and pastor who grew up in the Dallas area, where he attended Pearce High School. He later played college football at the University of Illinois before spending several years in the NFL with teams like the Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers, and Denver Broncos.
During the NFL offseason, Turner interned for then-Representative Duncan Hunter and worked for him full-time after his retirement in 2004. He ran as a Republican for California’s 50th Congressional District in 2006 but was not successful. Turner eventually returned to Texas, where he served two terms in the Texas House of Representatives from 2013 to 2017, representing parts of Collin County and all of Rockwall County.
Turner also has connections to Prestonwood Baptist Church, where he is listed as an associate pastor.
His confirmation makes him the second professional football player to head HUD, following former Congressman Jack Kemp, who served during the George H. W. Bush administration.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is responsible for addressing the nation’s housing needs and enforcing fair housing laws, including overseeing housing for low-income Americans.