Biden Cabinet Secretary Announces Retirement As Biden Reelection Campaign Ramps Up
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge announced her resignation on Monday, citing a desire to return home and a sense of accomplishment in her role within the administration.
In an interview with USA Today, Fudge expressed her decision to step down, stating, "It's time to go home." Her departure from HUD is scheduled for March 22.
BREAKING: Biden Cabinet secretary announces retirement ahead of ‘crazy, silly’ election season https://t.co/0yco5j9lKR
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She reflected on her tenure, indicating that she believes she has fulfilled her responsibilities within the department, particularly as the nation approaches a tumultuous election season.
Fudge's resignation marks the second departure of an original Cabinet member from the Biden administration, following the resignation of Labor Secretary Marty Walsh last year.
President Biden issued a statement praising Fudge's contributions, highlighting her advocacy for economic opportunity and affordable housing.
He described her as a champion for homeownership and fairness for renters, emphasizing her efforts to address racial discrimination in housing and promote affordability initiatives.
During her tenure, Fudge led transformative initiatives to lower housing costs, increase housing supply, and combat racial discrimination in the housing market.
Under her leadership, the administration proposed historic investments in affordable housing and implemented measures to support first-time homebuyers and renters.
Fudge, a Democrat who represented Ohio's 11th Congressional District from 2008 to 2021, brings a wealth of experience to her role.
Prior to her congressional service, she served as the first female and African American mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio, and held positions in budget and finance within the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
Looking ahead, Fudge expressed her intention to prioritize spending time with her family, particularly her 93-year-old mother and relatives in Ohio. Her departure leaves yet another problem for the Biden administration as it seeks to staff a key position while also helping to adjust the president's campaign strategy to counter a surge by Trump.