Congress just lost a democrat to become the first woman in 40 years to head the Housing and Urban Development Department. Marcia Fudge joins President Joe Biden’s cabinet and vows to deliver on his goal of building 1.5 million energy efficient units for needy families.
During the hearing, the Ohio Democrat also faced scrutiny from Republican Sen. Patrick Toomey, who said he was troubled by past comments she made “attacking and disparaging the integrity and motives of Republican officials with whom you have policy disagreements.” Toomey, who chaired the Senate Banking Committee at the time, also raised concerns with Fudge’s lack of background in housing policy.
Fudge responded by arguing that she has a bipartisanship record and the “ability and capacity to work with Republicans, and I intend to do just that.” She also pointed to her experience as the first Black woman to serve as mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio, during which she claimed she expanded affordable housing.
Her appointment leaves a vacancy in Congress where several local candidates are looking to fill the seat. Jeff Johnson, Nina Turner, and Shontel Brown all hope to win the 11th Congressional seat this summer when special elections will be held.
