Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge announced Monday that she would resign her post, effective March 22, saying she was leaving “with mixed emotions.”
A former mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio, and later an Ohio representative in Congress, Fudge, 71, served as HUD secretary since the start of President Joe Biden’s administration.
“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,” Fudge said in a statement. “Having worked at every level of government ... I have worked tirelessly to ensure that America lives up to its promise of liberty and justice for all.”
Fudge’s statement did not indicate a reason she was resigning now, saying only that she planned to “transition to life as a private citizen.”
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,” said Biden, a Democrat. “I’m grateful for all of her contributions toward a housing system that works for all Americans, and I wish her well in her next chapter.”
Other public servants, including several from Ohio, released statements about Fudge's service after news broke that she would be stepping down.
Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur, who represents Ohio's 9th Congressional District which includes Toledo, said she was honored to have worked with Fudge during Fudge's time in Congress.
“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," Kaptur wrote.
Ohio's U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, also a Democrat, issued a statement thanking Fudge for her public service.
“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,” said Brown.
Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman will serve as acting secretary after Fudge departs, the White House said.