(WASHINGTON) — Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge announced Monday that she is stepping down from her cabinet position later this month — marking only the second cabinet secretary to do so during the Biden administration.
“It has always been my belief that government can and should work for the people. For the last three years, I have fully embraced HUD’s mission to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all,” Fudge said in a statement on Monday. “The people HUD serves are those who are often left out and left behind. These are my people. They serve as my motivation for everything we have been able to accomplish.”
Fudge said her resignation will be effective March 22.
“From her time as a mayor, to her years as a fierce advocate in the U.S. House of Representatives, Marcia’s vision, passion, and focus on increasing economic opportunity have been assets to our country. I’m grateful for all of her contributions toward a housing system that works for all Americans, and I wish her well in her next chapter,” President Joe Biden wrote in a statement on her departure.
Fudge sat for an exclusive interview with USA Today and said she is leaving public office for retirement.
“Don’t look for me to ever be on another ballot or another appointee or anything like that,” she told USA Today. “I really do look forward to being a private citizen.”
Fudge told USA Today she plans to return to her home in Ohio.
“When you’re in these kinds of roles you go out when you’re on top and I believe that’s where we are,” Fudge told USA Today.
Fudge was appointed by the Biden administration in March 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and the beginning of the instability of the housing market that can still be felt today. During her 2021 confirmation hearing, Fudge said that her main priority was to alleviate the housing crisis.
“During my tenure we helped more than two million families stay in their homes and avoid foreclosure,” Fudge said in her Monday statement.
Fudge, who has served in the role for three years, was only the second black woman to lead the agency.
Prior to serving as the secretary of HUD, Fudge was a member of the House from 2008 to 2021, where she earned a reputation for working across the aisle to tackle the unique challenges for Ohio’s 11th District, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. She was also the former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Secretary Fudge will be only the second cabinet member from the Biden administration to step down after Marty Walsh, then secretary of Labor, resigned in 2023.
President Biden, who will likely be the 2024 Democratic nominee, has experienced less turnover in his administration than his Republican competitor former President Donald Trump did during his administration.
When Fudge departs, Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman will serve as acting secretary.
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