Trump's HUD secretary pick Scott Turner confirmed in 55-44 vote
HUD pick Scott Turner: Full Senate hearing
Former NFL player and Texas state representative Scott Turner, Donald Trump's pick to serve as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, answers questions from senators.
Scott Turner was confirmed Wednesday as the housing secretary, a role central to President Donald Trump’s domestic agenda.
The former NFL player, Texas state representative and White House senior aide was confirmed in a 55-44 vote. Only two Democrats backed Turner—Sens. Peter Welch of Vermont and John Fetterman of Pennsylvania.
Who is Scott Turner?
The backstory:
Turner is a professional mentor, pastor and former Texas House member.
He grew up in the Dallas area, attending Pearce High School in Richardson.
Turner then played football at the University of Illinois and spent multiple years in the NFL, playing for the then-Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos.
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 16: U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Eric Scott Turner testifies during his Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs confirmation hearing at the Dirksen Senate Off
During offseasons, he worked as an intern for then-Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif. After Turner retired in 2004, he worked full-time for the congressman. In 2006, Turner ran unsuccessfully as a Republican in California’s 50th Congressional District.
After his football career ended, Turner ran to be the representative for the newly created 33rd District in the Texas House.
He served two terms in the Texas House, from 2013 to 2017. District 33 includes part of Collin County and all of Rockwall County.
U.S. President Donald Trump, left, shakes hands with Scott Turner, executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council and former Republican state representative for Texas, during a meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C.
RELATED: Trump's HUD secretary pick Scott Turner faces questions from senators
In 2019, he was appointed to be the director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council by President Trump.
After his victory in the 2024 election, Trump nominated Turner to be the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
Prestonwood Baptist Church lists Turner as an associate pastor.
Turner will be the second professional football player to lead HUD, after former Rep. Jack Kemp served in the role under President George H. W. Bush. Turner is the only Black American member of Trump’s Cabinet; Ben Carson, who served as HUD secretary in Trump’s first term, was the only Black American member of that Cabinet.
What is the Housing and Urban Development Department?
HUD is charged with addressing the nation’s housing needs and fair housing laws, and oversees housing for the poorest Americans.
The Source: Information in this article comes from FOX Digital and the Associated Press.