In a 51-50 partisan split, the Senate voted to confirm Julia Gordon as assistant secretary of housing, federal housing commissioner. The initial 50-50 tie required Vice President Kamala Harris to break the deadlocked Senate vote. This followed the 12-12 partisan split in the Senate Banking Committee which enabled Chair Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) to forward Gordon’s nomination to the full Senate.
Gordon previously served as president of the National Community Stabilization Trust, a nonprofit organization that supports neighborhood revitalizations and affordable homeownership through rehabilitation of residential properties in underserved markets. She has specialized in federal policy related to homeownership, community development and housing finance.
Nearly three dozen industry trade groups sent a letter to the Senate leadership expressing support for Gordon’s nomination. “We believe Ms. Gordon is highly qualified for this important position,” the letter said.
Mortgage Bankers Association President and CEO Bob Broeksmit issued a statement following the vote congratulating Gordon on her confirmation.
“Her knowledge and experience in housing policy and community development will serve her well as she leads FHA’s mission to support homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income and minority borrowers in underserved communities, as well as increasing affordable rental housing,” Broeksmit said. “We look forward to working with Assistant Secretary Gordon, HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge, and other stakeholders to ensure a resilient FHA program that works for lenders and borrowers and provides more affordable housing opportunities for our nation’s homeowners and renters, while protecting taxpayers.”
HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge also celebrated Gordon’s confirmation.
“Julia is a respected leader with decades of experience working to create more vibrant and equitable communities,” Fudge said. “I thank the Senate for confirming Julia, and I look forward to working with her to expand access to safe, affordable, and sustainable housing.”