The U.S. Senate confirmed Andrew Hughes as the new deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with a vote of 51-43.
In this role, Hughes will serve as HUD’s chief operating officer, working under HUD Secretary Scott Turner. Hughes previously served as HUD chief of staff under former HUD Secretary Ben Carson, and most recently served as chief of staff under Turner.
“Andrew Hughes is a servant leader and is the right person, at the right time for this assignment to carry out HUD’s mission,” Turner said. “I had the pleasure of serving alongside him during the first Trump administration and witnessed firsthand his leadership, wisdom, and love for this country. We share a clear vision for HUD’s future, and it is truly a blessing to have him in this role.”
“Serving at HUD is more than a job — it's a calling,” Hughes said. “I’m humbled to help lead an agency that expands opportunity for all communities — rural, tribal, and urban. Together, under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Turner, we’re focused on ensuring more Americans can achieve not just housing, but the stability, self-sufficiency, and upward mobility that define the American Dream.”
As deputy secretary, Hughes will help implement HUD’s mission and manage the day-to-day operations of the department. His nomination was endorsed by former Carson and Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, and several housing and community development organizations.
Mortgage Bankers Association President and CEO Bob Broeksmit congratulated Hughes on his confirmation.
“We look forward to continuing our important work with him, Secretary Turner, and HUD staff on policies and initiatives that lower single-family and multifamily financing costs and increase homeownership and rental housing opportunities for all Americans,” Broeksmit said.
The National Association of Realtors Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn offered praise for this decision.
“We applaud the Senate for confirming Andrew Hughes as deputy secretary of [HUD]. Mr. Hughes brings deep institutional knowledge and proven leadership from his prior service at HUD …. His experience navigating federal housing policy, advancing programs like Opportunity Zones, and managing pandemic-era pressures positions him to help lead HUD with the urgency and creativity this housing moment demands.”
Hughes is the youngest deputy secretary in HUD’s history.