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Scott Turner

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Scott Turner
Image of Scott Turner

Nonpartisan

U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Tenure

2025 - Present

Term ends

2029

Years in position

0

Predecessor
Prior offices
Texas House of Representatives District 33
Contact

Official website

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Scott Turner is the secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in President Donald Trump's (R) second term. The Senate voted 55-44 to confirm Turner on February 5, 2025. Trump announced on November 22, 2024, that he had selected Turner as his nominee for HUD secretary.[1] Turner is also a former member of the Texas House of Representatives, former director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump's first term, and former chair of the Center for Education Opportunity at the America First Policy Institute.[2][3]

During his hearing with the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Turner said his goal as secretary would be, "to help people get off government assistance, become self-sustainable and achieve the American dream."[4] Turner also said, "There are many factors to why housing is so expensive now, and I believe first we need to get our own fiscal house in order. ... What I do support is maximizing the budget that we do have…and making sure that the programs that we do have are meeting the intended need and serving those they are intended to serve.”[5]

Turner was born and raised in Richardson, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. He earned a bachelor's degree in speech communications from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He played in the NFL from 1995 to 2004, including for the Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers, and the Denver Broncos.[2] During his offseasons in the NFL, Turner interned for former U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R), later working for the congressman full-time after retiring from football.[2] In 2006, Turner ran unsuccessfully in a special election for California's 50th Congressional District. Turner lost in the Republican primary and received about 1.5% of the vote.[6] From 2007 to 2023, Turner worked as the Chief Inspiration Officer at Systemware, a software company.[7]

Turner served in the Texas House from 2013 to 2017 representing District 33. He defeated Michael Carrasco (L) 85.3% to 14.7% in the 2012 general election. Turner ran for re-election unopposed in 2014 and did not run in 2016. In 2015, Turner ran for Texas House speaker against incumbent Joe Straus (R).[8] According to The Texas Tribune this was the first time the House had held a contested vote for speaker since 1975. In a December 2014 radio interview, Turner said he would use the speakership to help pass conservative policies on school choice and immigration.[9] Turner also said, “I came to the House to make a difference, not just in my district but in our state, and the way you make that difference is standing on your principles and your convictions and not being one that can be bought or sold out to the special interests or the lobby or what have you. I think that represents the speaker and I. I’m conservative. I have a record. I don’t just talk about it."[10] In the election, Straus defeated Turner 128-19.[8] [11][12]

In his role as director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump's first term, Turner focused on a program called "Opportunity Zones" which was created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and offered tax incentives to investors in low income areas.[13] [5] Turner said he hoped to expand this program as HUD secretary in addition to other policies from Trump's first term, "This moment is not just about fixing what’s broken. It’s about continuing and expanding the policies from the first Trump administration — policies that worked."[4]

Following Trump's first term, Turner worked as Chief Visionary Officer at JPI, a real estate development company, and as CEO and founder of the Community Engagement & Opportunity Council, a nonprofit focused on sports, mentorship, and economic opportunity.[7] He was also an associate pastor at the Prestonwood Baptist Church.[14]

Biography

Turner grew up in Richardson, Texas, a Dallas suburb. He received a bachelor's degree in speech communications from the University of Illinois in 1995, where he also played football and track.[15] After graduating, Turner began playing in the National Football League (NFL). Turner played for the Washington Commanders, the San Diego Chargers, and the Denver Broncos before retiring in 2003.[16]

After his time in the NFL, Turner interned with former U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.).[17] Turner first ran for public office in 2006 to represent California's 50th Congressional District in the U.S. House.[2] In 2012, Turner won election to the Texas House of Representatives. He was re-elected in 2014.[18]

During Donald Trump's (R) first presidential term, Turner was the director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council. His professional experience outside of politics includes working as a motivational speaker and author.[2] From 2007 to 2023, Turner worked at Systemware, a software company, as chief inspiration officer.[15]

Nomination for secretary of housing and urban development

See also: Donald Trump presidential transition, 2024-2025 and Confirmation process for Scott Turner for secretary of housing and urban development
Donald Trump's Cabinet
(second term)
Candidate: Scott Turner
Position: Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
ApprovedaAnnounced:November 22, 2024
ApprovedaHearing:January 16, 2025
ApprovedaCommittee:Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
ApprovedaReported:Favorable (13-11)
ApprovedaConfirmed:February 5, 2025
ApprovedaVote:55-44

Trump announced on November 22, 2024, that he had selected Turner as his nominee for secretary of Housing and Urban Development in his second presidential term. In a statement, Trump said, "Scott is an NFL Veteran, who, during my First Term, served as the First Executive Director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council (WHORC), helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country's most distressed communities."[19]

The Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee held a confirmation hearing for Turner on January 16, 2025.[20] The Senate voted 55-44 to confirm Turner on February 5, 2025, with all 53 Republicans and two Democrats, Sens. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), voting in favor. Forty-two Democrats and both Independents who caucus with Democrats voted against his confirmation. Click here to read more about the confirmation process.

Summary of Senate vote on Scott Turner's nomination for secretary of housing and urban development (February 5, 2025)
Party Votes for Votes against Not voting
Democratic Party Democrats 2 42 1
Republican Party Republicans 53 0 0
Grey.png Independents 0 2 0
Totals 55 44 1



Elections

2016

See also: Texas House of Representatives elections, 2016

Elections for the Texas House of Representatives took place in 2016. The primary election was held on March 1, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was December 14, 2015.[21] Incumbent Scott Turner (R) did not seek re-election.

Justin Holland defeated Karen Jacobs and Rick Donaldson in the Texas House of Representatives District 33 general election.[22]

Texas House of Representatives, District 33 General Election, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.png Justin Holland 67.80% 56,802
     Democratic Karen Jacobs 28.88% 24,199
     Libertarian Rick Donaldson 3.32% 2,783
Total Votes 83,784
Source: Texas Secretary of State


Justin Holland defeated John Keating in the Texas House of Representatives, District 33 Republican primary runoff.[23]

Texas House of Representatives, District 33 Republican Primary Runoff, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.png Justin Holland 50.62% 4,029
     Republican John Keating 49.38% 3,930
Total Votes 7,959


Karen Jacobs defeated Cristin Padgett in the Texas House of Representatives District 33 Democratic Primary.[24][23]

Texas House of Representatives, District 33 Democratic Primary, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.png Karen Jacobs 74.54% 3,660
     Democratic Cristin Padgett 25.46% 1,250
Total Votes 4,910


John Keating and Justin Holland defeated Lorne Liechty in the Texas House of Representatives District 33 Republican Primary.[24][23]

Texas House of Representatives, District 33 Republican Primary, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.png John Keating 37.63% 9,790
     Republican Green check mark transparent.png Justin Holland 32.86% 8,548
     Republican Lorne Liechty 29.51% 7,676
Total Votes 26,014

2014

See also: Texas House of Representatives elections, 2014

Elections for all 150 seats in the Texas House of Representatives took place in 2014. A primary election took place on March 4, 2014. Those candidates who did not receive 50 percent or more of the vote in their party primary on March 4 faced an additional May 27 primary runoff. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in these elections was December 9, 2013. Incumbent Scott Turner was unopposed in the Republican primary and was unchallenged in the general election.[25][26][27]

2012

See also: Texas House of Representatives elections, 2012

Turner won election in the 2012 election for Texas House of Representatives, District 33. Turner defeated Jim Pruitt in the May 29 primary election and defeated Michael A. Carrasco (L) in the general election, which took place on November 6, 2012.[28]

Texas House of Representatives, District 33, General Election, 2012
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngScott Turner 85.3% 50,631
     Libertarian Michael Carrasco 14.7% 8,701
Total Votes 59,332
Texas House of Representatives District 33 Republican Primary, 2012
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngScott Turner 58.3% 6,829
Jim Pruitt 41.7% 4,877
Total Votes 11,706

Campaign themes

2012

Turner's website highlighted the following campaign themes:

  • Jobs for Texans
Excerpt: "To provide good jobs and a strong economy, we must provide an environment that is business friendly: low taxes; limited, fair and predictable regulation; and a legal system uncluttered with frivolous lawsuits."
  • Stand for Fiscal Responsibility
Excerpt: "Texans are taxed enough already! We must take better inventory of the money that’s being spent in funding of current programs. We must end accounting gimmicks, tricks and diversions."
  • ObamaCare is Not Right for Texas
Excerpt: "If left unchecked, ObamaCare has the potential to bankrupt Texas. Texans should be able to choose their own health care provider and make their own medical choices, not have our health care decisions micromanaged by Washington, D.C."
  • Stop Illegal Immigration
Excerpt: "Illegal Immigration is draining the budgets of Texas taxpayers and Texas state government. We need to tighten our borders to stop the flow of illegals. We are a nation which welcomes those who follow the rules, respect our laws, and come here legally, but I have no tolerance for those who undermine the rule of law by entering our nation in an illegal fashion."

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Scott Turner campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2014Texas House of Representatives, District 33Won $681,771 N/A**
Grand total$681,771 N/A**
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

State legislative tenure

Committee assignments

2015 legislative session

At the beginning of the 2015 legislative session, Turner served on the following committees:

2013-2014

In the 2013-2014 legislative session, Turner served on the following committees:

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in Texas

A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.

Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Texas scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.









2017

In 2017, the Texas State Legislature was in its 85th legislative session from January 10 through May 29. A special session was held from July 18 to August 15.

Legislators are scored on their votes for or against the organization's position and principles.
Legislators are scored based by the organization on their votes on bills relating to "core budget and free enterprise issues."
Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental and public health issues.
Legislators are scored on bills related to LGBT issues.
Legislators are scored on their votes on small business issues.
Legislators are scored based on their votes on bills relating to taxes and property rights.
Legislators are scored on their votes on bills supported or opposed by the organization.
Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to social issues.
Legislators are scored based on their votes on bills related to businesses, taxpayers, and families.
Legislators are scored on bills related to reproductive health issues.
Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental issues.
Legislators are scored on their votes on social issues.
Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.


2016


2015


2014


2013



The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.

See also

External links

Officeholder

U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
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    Footnotes

    1. ↑ Truth Social, "Donald Trump on November 22, 2024," accessed November 22, 2024
    2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Associated Press, "What to know about Scott Turner, Trump’s pick for housing secretary," November 23, 2024
    3. ↑ America First Police Institute, "America First Nomination: Scott Turner," January 16, 2025
    4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Fox News, "Trump's pick as HUD secretary, a former NFL player, says he wants to help Americans get off government aid," January 16, 2025
    5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Politico, "Senate panel advances Turner for HUD on party-line vote," January 23, 2025
    6. ↑ California Secretary of State, "Special Primary Election - April 11, 2006," April 21, 2006
    7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 LinkedIn, "Scott Turner," accessed January 24, 2025
    8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 The Texas Tribune, "Straus Re-elected House Speaker Over Tea Party Challenger Turner," January 13, 2015
    9. ↑ The Texas Tribune,"In Bid for Speaker, Turner Looks to Beat the Odds," December 17, 2014
    10. ↑ The Texas Tribune, "Turner and Beck Throw Barbs at Straus," December 9, 2014
    11. ↑ Two candidates also challenged Straus in the 2011 speaker race but dropped out before the formal vote.
    12. ↑ The Texas Tribune ,"TribBlog: Straus in the House," January 11, 2011
    13. ↑ IRS, "Opportunity zones," accessed January 24, 2025
    14. ↑ Prestonwood, "Our Staff," accessed January 24, 2025
    15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 The Texas Tribune, "In Bid for Speaker, Turner Looks to Beat the Odds," December 17, 2014
    16. ↑ ESPN, "Scott Turner," accessed December 3, 2024
    17. ↑ NFL Player Engagement, "Former DB Scott Turner’s post-NFL accomplishments are vast and impressive," accessed December 3, 2024
    18. ↑ Legislative Reference Library of Texas, "Scott Turner," accessed December 3, 2024
    19. ↑ Truth Social, "Donald Trump on November 22, 2024," accessed November 22, 2024
    20. ↑ United States Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, "Nomination Hearing," accessed January 13, 2025
    21. ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "Important 2016 Election Dates," accessed December 14, 2015
    22. ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "2016 General Election," accessed December 2, 2016
    23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 Texas Secretary of State, "1992 - Current Election History results," accessed August 22, 2016
    24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 Texas Secretary of State, "2016 March Primary Election Candidate Filings by County," accessed August 22, 2016
    25. ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "1992 - Current ELECTION HISTORY," accessed December 2, 2014
    26. ↑ The Libertarian Party of Texas, "2014 Texas Representative Candidate List," accessed July 30, 2014
    27. ↑ Green Party of Texas, "Greens Release Candidate List," accessed July 30, 2014
    28. ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "1992 - Current Election History," accessed February 17, 2014
    29. ↑ kten.com, "Texas Lawmakers To Tackle Redistricting In Special Session," May 29, 2013
    30. ↑ Legislative reference Library of Texas, "Texas Legislative Sessions and Years," accessed June 13, 2014
    Political offices
    Preceded by
    Raul Torres (R)     		Texas House District 33
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