Marcia Fudge entered the United States House of Representatives in 2008 after winning a special election to complete the term of the late Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Her legislative career, spanning over a decade, preceded a transition into the executive branch as the 18th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, where she served from 2021 until 2024.
Early Career and Local Governance
Born in Cleveland in 1952, Fudge graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 1971. She pursued higher education at Ohio State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in business in 1975, followed by a Juris Doctor from the Cleveland State University College of Law in 1983. Her professional background includes roles as a law clerk and auditor for the Cuyahoga County estate tax department, as well as serving as Director of Budget and Finance for the county prosecutor's office. In 2000, she began an eight-year tenure as the mayor of Warrensville Heights, becoming the city's first female and first African American individual to hold the office.
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Fudge represented Ohio's 11th congressional district from 2008 to 2021. During her time in the House, she served on the Committee on Agriculture, the Committee on House Administration, and the Committee on Education and Labor. She was an active member of the Congressional Black Caucus, serving as its chair during the 113th Congress, and belonged to the Congressional Progressive Caucus. In 2018, she briefly considered a bid for Speaker of the House before ultimately supporting Nancy Pelosi.
Housing and Urban Development Leadership
President Joe Biden nominated Fudge as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in December 2020. Following a 66–34 confirmation vote in the United States Senate, she took the oath of office in March 2021. As secretary, she focused on fair housing initiatives and addressing homelessness. During her tenure, the Office of Special Counsel issued her a warning after determining she had violated the Hatch Act of 1939 during a press conference. She resigned from the cabinet position effective March 22, 2024, and transitioned to a partnership at the law firm Taft Stettinius & Hollister.
Fast facts
- Born: 1952, Cleveland, Ohio
- Education: Ohio State University, Cleveland State University College of Law
- Mayoral service: 2000–2008, Warrensville Heights
- Congressional service: 2008–2021, Ohio's 11th district
- Cabinet position: U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, 2021–2024
- Political party: Democratic Party
- Post-government career: Partner at Taft Stettinius & Hollister
Questions readers ask
Did Marcia Fudge run for Speaker of the House?
Yes, she considered a bid for Speaker of the United States House of Representatives at the start of the 116th Congress but withdrew to support Nancy Pelosi.
What official role did she hold before becoming a cabinet secretary?
She served as the U.S. representative for Ohio's 11th congressional district from 2008 to 2021.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Stephanie Tubbs Jones
- Educated at Ohio State University, Cleveland State University College of Law and Shaker Heights High School
- Worked as politician and lawyer
