History of Scott Turner (politician) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 25, 2025

Eric Scott Turner is an American businessman and politician currently serving as the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development since 2025. Prior to his political career, he was a professional football player. This diverse background highlights his experience in both the business and sports worlds, ultimately leading him to a high-ranking position in the U.S. government.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

February 26, 1972: Eric Scott Turner's birth

On February 26, 1972, Eric Scott Turner, who would later become a businessman, politician, and United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, was born.

1976: Speaker vote in the Texas House

Since 1976, January 2015 marked the first recorded Speaker vote in the Texas House of Representatives.

1990: Graduation from Pearce High School

In 1990, Eric Scott Turner graduated from Pearce High School, where he played football and ran track, and worked as a dishwasher at Spring Creek Barbeque in Richardson, Texas.

1991: Big Ten Indoor Freshman of the Year

In 1991, Eric Scott Turner was named Big Ten Indoor Freshman of the Year in track and field and received All-America status as part of the Illinois men's 4x400 meter relay indoor team.

1992: Big Ten 400 meters indoor title

In 1992, Eric Scott Turner won a Big Ten 400 meters indoor title and earned First Team, All-Big Ten honors.

1993: Big Ten 400 meters indoor title and Big Ten Athlete of the Month

In 1993, Eric Scott Turner won another Big Ten 400 meters indoor title, was named Big Ten Athlete of the Month in January, and received All-America status as part of the Illinois men's 4x400 meter relay outdoor team.

1994: Liberty Bowl Champion

In 1994, Eric Scott Turner compiled forty-eight tackles for the Liberty Bowl champions and earned First Team, All-Big Ten honors in football.

1995: Graduation from the University of Illinois

In 1995, Eric Scott Turner graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in speech communications.

1995: Drafted by the Washington Redskins

In 1995, Eric Scott Turner was drafted in the seventh round of the NFL draft by the Washington Redskins and signed a three-year deal with the team.

1997: Cut by the Washington Redskins

In 1997, Eric Scott Turner was cut by Washington Redskins coach Norv Turner.

1998: Joins San Diego Chargers

In 1998, Eric Turner began playing for the San Diego Chargers.

2002: Cut by the Chargers

In 2002, Eric Turner was cut by the Chargers and did not play in the NFL that season.

2003: Internship with Congressman Duncan Hunter

During the 2003 NFL off-season, Eric Turner worked as an intern for Congressman Duncan Hunter.

2003: Signed with Denver Broncos

In 2003, Eric Turner signed with the Denver Broncos.

2004: Career-ending injury

In 2004, a leg injury during training camp ended Eric Turner's professional football career.

April 11, 2006: Congressional Election Loss

On April 11, 2006, Eric Turner finished eighth out of 17 candidates in the special election for California's 50th congressional district.

2007: Start date at Systemware

In 2007, Eric Turner began working at Systemware, a content management software company.

2012: Candidacy for Texas House of Representatives

In 2012, Eric Turner announced his candidacy for the newly created 33rd District of the Texas House of Representatives and won the general election.

January 8, 2013: Sworn into the Texas Legislature

On January 8, 2013, Eric Turner was sworn into the Texas Legislature.

January 2013: Start of term in Texas Legislature

In January 2013, Eric Turner began his term in the Texas Legislature, representing the 33rd District.

2013: State Representative for Texas

In 2013, Eric Scott Turner began serving as the state representative for Texas's 33rd House District.

January 2015: Challenged for Speaker of the Texas House

In January 2015, Eric Turner challenged Joe Straus for the role of Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives and lost.

2016: Honorary Doctorate

In 2016, Eric Turner received an honorary doctorate from Dallas Baptist University.

January 2017: End of term in Texas Legislature

In January 2017, Eric Turner concluded his service in the Texas Legislature.

2017: End of term as State Representative for Texas

In 2017, Eric Scott Turner's tenure as the state representative for Texas's 33rd House District concluded.

2019: Executive Director of White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council

In 2019, Eric Scott Turner became the executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council.

2019: Appointment as Director of White House Council

In 2019, President Donald Trump appointed Eric Turner as the director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council.

2020: Consulting Work

Since 2020, Eric Turner has consulted for the NFL, Guidestone Financial, Avondale Dealerships, and the America First Policy Institute.

2021: End of term as executive director

In 2021, Eric Scott Turner's tenure as executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council came to an end.

2023: End date at Systemware

In 2023, Eric Turner ended his employment at Systemware, where he had served in various capacities, including chief inspiration officer.

2023: Named Chief Visionary Officer of JPI

In 2023, Eric Turner was named Chief Visionary Officer of JPI, a national developer, builder, and investment manager.

November 2024: Nomination for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

In November 2024, President-elect Trump announced his intention to nominate Eric Scott Turner as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in his second administration.

2024: Nephew's Graduation

In 2024, Eric Turner's nephew, Solomon, whom he raised, played football for and graduated from the University of Illinois.

January 16, 2025: Appeared Before Senate Committee

On January 16, 2025, Eric Scott Turner appeared before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.

February 5, 2025: Confirmation as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

On February 5, 2025, Eric Scott Turner was confirmed by the United States Senate as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and took office later that day.