Biden to Nominate Rep. Marcia Fudge as HUD Secretary

President-elect Joe Biden selected Ohio Rep. Marcia Fudge as his Housing and Urban Development secretary. Fudge is a former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and was just elected to a seventh term representing a majority Black district that includes parts of Cleveland and Akron. If confirmed, Fudge will be the first woman to lead HUD in more than 40 years and the second Black woman in history to lead the department. Biden’s transition team issued the following statement while nominating Fudge to the role:

Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, a leading voice for working families who has represented Ohio’s 11th Congressional District for the last twelve years, is nominated to serve as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. A former mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio, and past Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congresswoman Fudge is a longtime champion of affordable housing, urban revitalization, infrastructure investment, and other reforms to enhance the safety, prosperity, and sustainability of American communities.

The Senate typically confirms some nominees, particularly the secretaries of Defense, State, and Treasury, on Inauguration Day. Before confirming them, the Senate will have to hold hearings for Biden's nominees. Cabinet nominees need 51 votes for confirmation. Republicans currently control the Senate, but control will shift after the Democratic victors in two Georgia special elections are seated.