WASHINGTON — Marcia Fudge, the former Cleveland congresswoman who served as U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development since 2021, has announced her resignation.
In a release, Fudge did not give a specific reason why she is leaving President Biden's cabinet, but did say her resignation will take effect on March 22. She also added that she is leaving with "mixed emotions."
"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. 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 wrote in a statement.
During her political career, the 71-year-old Fudge has served in a variety of roles. She was the mayor of Warrensville Heights for eight years, then was tapped to replace the late Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones in Congress after her death in 2008. Fudge was elected to seven terms in the House of Representatives representing the Cleveland area in Ohio's 11th Congressional District.
Upon his election in 2020, President Joe Biden selected Fudge to serve as the nation's 18th Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). She was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in March of 2021.
“As a dedicated public servant for nearly five decades, I have been devoted to improving the quality of life for the people of this nation, focusing on those with the greatest need. Having worked at every level of government, including as a mayor, then as a congressional staffer, a member of Congress, and now as the 18th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development I have worked tirelessly to ensure that America lives up to its promise of liberty and justice for all," she added.
Fudge noted several key accomplishments during her time at the helm of HUD:
- Helped more than two million families stay in their homes and avoid foreclosure
- Removed barriers for people with student loan debt trying to buy a home with an FHA mortgage
- Funded more than 2 million units of public housing and multifamily housing
- Served or permanently housed more than 1.2 million people experiencing homelessness
"I thank President Biden for his confidence and trust in me to lead HUD in alignment with the Biden-Harris Administration priorities," Fudge added. "As I transition to life as a public citizen, I will continue to do the work that I have been called to do.”
The White House, in a statement, hailed Fudge's dedication to increasing the supply of affordable housing and protect the housing needs of some of the country's most vulnerable residents.
“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,” Biden said.
White House principal deputy press secretary Olivia Dalton said Biden “certainly will nominate a replacement” for Fudge, but she offered no timeline for the process. For now, Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman will serve as acting HUD secretary when Fudge departs, the White House said.
Several of Fudge's former colleagues in Congress reacted to the news of her resignation on Monday:
Sen. Sherrod Brown
“As a proud daughter of Ohio, and my Congresswoman for twelve years, Marcia Fudge served Ohioans and families all around the country for decades. She understood that housing is at the center of people’s lives, and she led HUD through a critical period – responding to unprecedented housing challenges during the pandemic, reducing costs for first-time homebuyers, and fighting housing discrimination. Secretary Fudge, congratulations and thank you for your service to Ohio and to the country.”
Rep. Shontel Brown
“Congratulations to Secretary Fudge on her retirement. President Biden’s cabinet is going to have enormous shoes to fill, because there is only one Secretary Fudge. Today is a day to celebrate her legacy.
“As HUD Secretary, she has been a powerhouse for fairness, justice, and opportunity. During an unprecedented time, she restored and revived HUD and fought for quality and affordable housing for all Americans. As the voice of Northeast Ohio in Congress, she was a tireless champion for our community and a national leader on food and nutrition policy, voting rights, and racial justice. Secretary Fudge could connect with everyone, from audiences in Warrensville Heights to the White House.
“I am honored to call Secretary Fudge a friend and a mentor. Quite simply, she set the standard. She is a North Star. I am thankful for her service to Northeast Ohio and to our country, wish her nothing but the best in retirement, and simply say welcome back home.”
Rep. Emilia Sykes
“For over 50 years, Secretary Fudge has been a fierce advocate for Northeast Ohio, serving our community with passion, dedication, and determination. A trailblazer, she has shattered glass ceilings at every level of government, from serving as the first female and first African American mayor of Warrensville Heights, to leading the Congressional Black Caucus, to becoming the second Black woman to lead the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. She has devoted her career to helping low-income families, seniors, and vulnerable communities across the country, all while earning a reputation for working effectively across the aisle to deliver results for her constituents.
“Sec. Fudge has made it her mission to ensure every American has food on the table and a safe, affordable place to call home. During her tenure at HUD, she’s worked diligently to support first time homebuyers, combat homelessness, and lower the cost of housing in our communities. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Sec. Fudge over the years in efforts to improve access to affordable housing, protect our freedom to vote, and advance racial and gender equity. Her tenacity and commitment to service has inspired me, and I’m especially grateful for the advice and guidance she has given me over the years.
“I’m thankful for Sec. Fudge’s service to our community, and I know Northeast Ohio is a better place thanks to her leadership. We’re very excited to welcome her back home for some well-deserved rest after her years of service.”
Rep. Marcy Kaptur
“I am honored to have worked alongside HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge during her tenure in Congress, and want to wish her well as she transitions out of her role as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Her deep commitment to Northern Ohio, and our nation has been evident throughout her career and I'm honored to call her a dear friend and colleague. Secretary Fudge's help has been invaluable to Northwest Ohio as we sought housing and community development solutions to keep our neighborhoods safe and vibrant. During her visit to Toledo last Spring it was great to see my friend and continue to work together in her new role. I send the Secretary fond wishes on her retirement. I know that she will never stop fighting for the people of Northern Ohio no matter what role or title she might take on in her next chapter.”
Rep. Dave Joyce
Other local political leaders expressed appreciation for Fudge's years of service.
Cleveland City Council
Council extends heartfelt congratulations and sincere gratitude to outgoing Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. Thank you, Secretary Fudge, for your commitment to improving housing opportunities and uplifting communities. Her work as HUD Secretary and 11th District Congresswoman has made a real impact in Cleveland, Northeast Ohio, and beyond. Her leadership has been truly remarkable.
Many Council members are personal friends of Secretary Fudge, who started her political career as the first woman and first Black person elected mayor of Warrensville Heights.
“Marcia Fudge has been a personal friend and mentor to me and several elected officials in Cleveland,” Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin said. “Her tenure as HUD Secretary has impacted the nation and Cleveland. She helped us receive funding to completely transform the Woodhill Estates, a public housing complex that was falling into disrepair.
"She will be missed in DC. But I’m glad she’s coming home, and I look forward to her wisdom, guidance, and mentorship moving forward. Thank you, Madame Secretary.”
Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne
"Secretary Marcia Fudge’s leadership has made an indelible mark both on the national stage and here at home in Cuyahoga County. Her dedication to advancing affordable housing, community development, and equity has been essential to our work and has had an impact across the nation.
"We are immensely proud of her accomplishments, and her legacy will continue to inspire progress in Cuyahoga County and across the United States. We wish to congratulate Secretary Fudge and thank her for her commitment to Cuyahoga County and service to the nation."
The Associated Press contributed to this story
Previous Reporting:
- HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge tours 'I Promise Housing' in Akron as part of efforts to improve access to safe, affordable housing
- A Turning Point: US HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge goes one-on-one with 3News' Russ Mitchell
- Northeast Ohio Rep. Marcia Fudge confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in President Biden's administration