Scott Turner (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Scott Turner
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Official portrait, 2019
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| 19th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development | |||||||||||
| Assumed office February 5, 2025 |
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| President | Donald Trump | ||||||||||
| Preceded by | Marcia Fudge | ||||||||||
| Executive Director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council | |||||||||||
| In office April 4, 2019 – January 20, 2021 |
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| President | Donald Trump | ||||||||||
| Preceded by | Office established | ||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Office abolished | ||||||||||
| Member of the Texas House of Representatives from the 33rd district |
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| In office January 8, 2013 – January 9, 2017 |
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| Preceded by | Raul Torres | ||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Justin Holland | ||||||||||
| Personal details | |||||||||||
| Born |
Eric Scott Turner
February 26, 1972 Richardson, Texas, U.S. |
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| Political party | Republican | ||||||||||
| Spouse |
Robin Turner
(m. 1995) |
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| Education | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (BA) | ||||||||||
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Football career |
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| No. 29, 21 | |||||||||||
| Position: | Cornerback | ||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||
| Height: | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | ||||||||||
| Weight: | 180 lb (82 kg) | ||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||
| High school: | J. J. Pearce (Richardson) | ||||||||||
| College: | Illinois (1991–1994) | ||||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1995 / Round: 7 / Pick: 226 | ||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||||||||
Eric Scott Turner (born February 26, 1972) is an American leader who has been a professional football player, a politician, and a businessman. Since 2025, he has served as the 19th Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
Before this, he was the executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council from 2019 to 2021. He also served as a state representative for Texas's 33rd House District from 2013 to 2017. Before entering politics, Turner played cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons.
In November 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced he would choose Turner for the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development role. The United States Senate confirmed his appointment on February 5, 2025, and he took office that same day.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Scott Turner grew up in the Dallas area of Texas. When he was 10, his parents divorced. He told his mother he would play in the NFL one day.
He went to Pearce High School, where he played football and ran track. He graduated in 1990. During high school, he worked as a dishwasher.
Turner earned a full scholarship for both academics and sports to the University of Illinois. He started playing wide receiver in football. In his final year, he switched to cornerback. He was part of the team that won the 1994 Liberty Bowl.
In track and field, Turner was a top sprinter. He won several awards, including Big Ten Indoor Freshman of the Year in 1991. He also earned All-America status as part of the Illinois 4x400 meter relay teams. Turner graduated from the University of Illinois in 1995 with a degree in speech communications.
Football Career Highlights
Scott Turner was chosen in the seventh round of the 1995 NFL draft by the Washington Redskins. He played as a cornerback for the Redskins from 1995 to 1997.
After leaving the Redskins, he played four seasons for the San Diego Chargers (1998-2002). He was the last player to wear jersey number 21 for the Chargers before famous player LaDainian Tomlinson wore it.
Turner then signed with the Denver Broncos in 2003. A leg injury in 2004 ended his professional football career. He played in 101 NFL games. After his playing career, Turner became a coach for the NFL’s Legends Community. He also worked as a senior advisor for the NFL's football operations.
Political Journey
During his NFL off-season in 2003, Turner worked as an intern for Congressman Duncan Hunter. After retiring from football, he took a full-time job in the congressman's office. In 2006, he ran for a seat in Congress in California but did not win. After the election, Turner moved back to Frisco, Texas.
In 2012, Turner decided to run for the Texas House of Representatives. He won the election for the 33rd District. He was sworn into the Texas Legislature on January 8, 2013.
In 2015, Turner challenged Joe Straus for the role of Speaker of the Texas House. He lost the vote but was supported by the Tea Party Caucus. Turner served two terms in the Texas Legislature, from 2013 to 2017.
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In 2019, President Donald Trump appointed Turner to lead the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council. This council was created to help improve communities.
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
New Role and Approval
In November 2024, Donald Trump nominated Scott Turner to be the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. This is a very important job in the President's team.
Turner spoke to the Senate Committee on January 16, 2025. The committee approved his nomination a week later. On February 5, 2025, the full Senate confirmed his nomination. He was sworn into office by Justice Clarence Thomas later that day.
Business and Community Work
From 2007 to 2023, Scott Turner worked at Systemware, a software company. He held different positions, including chief inspiration officer.
Turner also started and leads the Community Engagement & Opportunity Council (CEOC). This group helps children living in poverty. CEOC is known for fixing up the Literacy Lab in Bonton, a part of Dallas.
In 2023, Turner became the Chief Visionary Officer of JPI. This company builds and manages apartments across the U.S.
Scott and his wife, Robin Turner, own Statesman Clothiers. This company makes custom clothing for men. Turner also owns a consulting firm, Scott Turner Consulting Group, LLC. He has advised various organizations, including the NFL.
Personal Life
Scott Turner is married to Robin Turner. She is also a graduate of the University of Illinois. They raised his nephew, Solomon, who also played football for the University of Illinois.
Turner and his family are members of Prestonwood Baptist Church. He serves there as an associate pastor. In 2016, he received an honorary doctorate from Dallas Baptist University.
See also
In Spanish: Scott Turner para niños
