Scott Turner

Eric Scott Turner (born February 26, 1972) is an American politician and former professional football player who is serving as the 19th United States secretary of housing and urban development since February 2025. Prior to his political career, he played cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) for eight seasons, mostly for the Washington Redskins and San Diego Chargers.

Turner served as Executive Director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council from 2019 to 2021 under President Donald Trump in the first Trump administration. Previously, Turner served as state representative for Texas's 33rd House district, which includes part of Collin County and all of Rockwall County, from 2013 to 2017.

On November 22, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intent to nominate Turner as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the second Trump administration. Turner's nomination was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 5, 2025 by a vote of 55–44. Turner was sworn into office on February 5, 2025.

Early life and education A fourth-generation Texan,

Turner attended Pearce High School, In football, he initially played wide receiver and switched to cornerback his senior year, In track and field, Turner specialized in the 200 and 400 meters, and a pair of Big Ten 400 meters indoor titles in 1992 and 1993. and earned First Team, All-Big Ten honors in 1992, 1993, and 1994. As part of the Illinois men's 4 × 400 meter relay indoor team (1991) and outdoor teams (1993 and 1994), Turner received All-America status in track and field.

Turner graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in speech communications in 1995. He signed a three year deal with the team,

Turner signed with the Denver Broncos in 2003. A 2004 leg injury during training camp ended his professional football career. After losing the election, Turner moved back to Frisco, Texas.

In 2012, Turner announced his candidacy for the newly created 33rd District of the Texas House of Representatives. Turner defeated Jim Pruitt in the Republican primary and defeated Libertarian candidate Michael Carrasco in the November 6 general election.

He was sworn into the Texas Legislature on January 8, 2013. That same year, he was named by GOPAC to their list of Emerging Leaders in the Republican Party. Turner challenged Joe Straus for role of Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives in January 2015, the first recorded Speaker vote since 1976. Though backed by the Tea Party Caucus, Turner lost to Straus by 127 votes to 19.

Turner served two consecutive terms in the Texas Legislature, representing the 33rd District from January 2013 to January 2017. During his tenure, Turner led the interagency Opportunity Zones Initiative working with state, local, tribal, and territorial governments across the country to revitalize economically distressed areas and to promote affordable housing and the creation of new businesses.

Business career From 2007 to 2023, Turner worked at Systemware, a content management software company, where he served in various capacities, including chief inspiration officer.

In June 2023, Turner was named Chief Visionary Officer of JPI, a national developer, builder, and investment manager of Class A, attainable and affordable multifamily assets across the U.S.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Nomination and confirmation On November 22, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intent to nominate Turner to serve as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in his second presidential administration. Turner's nomination was endorsed by the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, Mortgage Bankers Association, American Land Title Association, the Manufactured Housing Institute, the National Association of Home Builders, and the Real Estate Roundtable.

Turner appeared before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs on January 16, 2025. The committee approved his nomination in a 13–11 vote on January 23, 2025. On February 5, 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed his nomination in a 55–44 vote. Turner was sworn in later that day by U.S. Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas. thumb

Tenure As HUD Secretary, Turner presided over plans to relocate the headquarters of HUD from the Robert C. Weaver Federal Building to the National Science Foundation headquarters building in Alexandria, Virginia. Turner also mandated that the HUD website be exclusively in English, and canceled all non-English services offered on the government website.

Personal life Turner is married to Robin Turner,

Turner and his family are members of Prestonwood Baptist Church, where he serves as an associate pastor. He received an honorary doctorate from Dallas Baptist University in 2016.