Scott Turner Bio
Eric Scott Turner (born February 26, 1972) is an American politician and former professional football player serving as the 19th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. A Republican, he has held public and private-sector leadership roles focused on community development, affordable housing, and opportunity initiatives.
Before entering politics, Turner played cornerback in the National Football League for nine seasons. He later represented Texas’s 33rd House district in the state legislature, directed the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during the first Trump administration, and worked in executive roles at technology and real estate companies. The United States Senate confirmed his nomination as HUD Secretary on February 5, 2025, and he was sworn in later that day.
Early Life and Background
Scott Turner is a fourth-generation Texan who grew up in the Dallas area. He was raised in Richardson, Texas, and as a child attended Mount Pisgah Baptist Community Church, where members of his family have been active since 1898. His parents divorced when he was 10, and as a boy he told his mother that he planned to play in the NFL.
Turner graduated from Pearce High School in 1990, where he played football and ran track. To help his family, he worked as a dishwasher at Spring Creek Barbeque in Richardson during his teenage years. He earned a full academic and athletic scholarship to the University of Illinois, where he majored in speech communications and graduated in 1995.
Path to US Politics
During the 2003 NFL off-season, Turner worked as an intern for U.S. Representative Duncan Hunter of California. After retiring from professional football, he accepted a full-time position in the congressman’s office. In 2006, he ran for the vacated seat of California’s 50th congressional district in a special election following the resignation of Duke Cunningham, finishing eighth out of 17 candidates in the blanket primary.
After losing that race, Turner moved back to Frisco, Texas, and shifted his focus toward business and community work. In 2012, he announced his candidacy for the newly created 33rd District of the Texas House of Representatives, winning the Republican primary and the November general election.
Scott Turner Career
Early Career (1995–2003)
Turner was drafted in the seventh round of the 1995 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins, now known as the Washington Commanders. He played cornerback for the Redskins from 1995 to 1997 before being cut by coach Norv Turner.
He later played four seasons for the San Diego Chargers from 1998 to 2002 and signed with the Denver Broncos in 2003. Over his NFL career, Turner appeared in 101 games, recording 89 tackles, five interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, and two sacks.
Texas Legislature Breakthrough (2013–2017)
Turner was sworn into the Texas Legislature on January 8, 2013, representing the 33rd District, which includes part of Collin County and all of Rockwall County. That same year, GOPAC named him to its list of Emerging Leaders in the Republican Party, signaling his rising influence within state politics.
In January 2015, Turner challenged Speaker Joe Straus in the first recorded Speaker vote since 1976. Though backed by the Tea Party Caucus, he lost to Straus by a vote of 127 to 19. He served two consecutive terms in the Texas Legislature from January 2013 to January 2017.
Trump Administration Era (2019–2021)
On April 17, 2019, President Donald Trump appointed Turner as Executive Director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, established pursuant to Executive Order 13853. During his tenure, Turner led the interagency Opportunity Zones Initiative, working with state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to revitalize economically distressed areas and to promote affordable housing and new business creation.
He held this role until 2021, coordinating federal efforts to channel investment into underserved communities across the country. The experience positioned him as a national voice on housing and economic opportunity policy.
HUD Secretary Era (2025–Present)
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 administration. His nomination was endorsed by major industry groups including the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, Mortgage Bankers Association, American Land Title Association, Manufactured Housing Institute, 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, and the committee approved his nomination in a 13–11 vote on January 23, 2025. The full U.S. Senate confirmed his nomination on February 5, 2025, by a 55–44 vote, and he was sworn in later that day by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.
Notable Events and Milestones
Turner’s career has spanned professional sports, state legislature service, and federal executive leadership. He was the last Charger to wear jersey #21 before Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson, and his 1994 Liberty Bowl championship with the University of Illinois remains a defining athletic achievement.
Scott Turner Career Wins
Turner has compiled a varied record of accomplishments across athletics, business, and public service. His achievements include conference championships as a student-athlete, electoral victories in Texas, and high-profile federal appointments.
Political Highlights
Turner won the Republican primary and general election for Texas’s 33rd House district in 2012 and served two consecutive terms from 2013 to 2017. He was subsequently appointed to lead the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council in 2019 and was confirmed as the 19th HUD Secretary in February 2025.
Other Achievements
Turner received an Honorary Doctor of Humanities from Dallas Baptist University in 2016 in recognition of his community leadership. He was named Big Ten Athlete of the Month in January 1993 and earned First Team All-Big Ten honors in 1992, 1993, and 1994 as a student-athlete.
Scott Turner Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Turner is married to Robin Turner, a native of Champaign, Illinois, and a University of Illinois alumna. The couple married in 1995 and have raised his nephew, Solomon, who played football for and graduated from the University of Illinois in 2024.
Turner and his family are members of Prestonwood Baptist Church, where he serves as an associate pastor. The family resides in Frisco, Texas.