Representative Barbara Lee expresses interest in leading HUD if Harris becomes president
Representative Barbara Lee (D), member of the US House of Representatives who serves California’s 12th congressional district in the Oakland area, has indicated his interest in serving as secretary at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) if Vice President Kamala Harris wins next week’s presidential election.
Lee, who unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination to succeed the late Senator Dianne Feinstein, expressed her interest in leading HUD in an interview of Politics.
“I’ve spoken to organizations and individuals about getting their feedback on these proposals — and people have been very enthusiastic,” Lee, 78, told the outlet. “People are very happy with that [Harris] has advanced this housing agenda; people have input and ideas.”
She tempered the discussion somewhat by saying she remains focused on helping Harris secure the presidency.
“Let’s get past November 5 first,” Lee said. “I’m excited about what she’s doing, I think I know these issues – and obviously I would be interested in working with her government on these issues.”
Lee and Harris have a long history together, as they both hail from California’s Bay Area. Lee was also the first member of Congress to do so support Harris for president – in 2019, when Harris first sought the Democratic nomination before ultimately being named Joe Biden’s running mate.
Lee co-chaired Harris’ first bid for president, and both were members of the U.S. presidential campaign Congressional Black Caucus while Harris was a senator. Lee added that Harris could find “new, creative ways” to increase housing supply across the country compared to the Biden administration’s efforts.
Rep. Adam Schiff (D), who eventually won US Senate The Democratic primary hopefuls who will seek to succeed Feinstein said Lee would be “an excellent Cabinet choice” because she has “the experience necessary to serve on day one,” he told Politico.
According to Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-California), Lee has a reputation for being able to navigate bipartisan relationships without alienating more conservative colleagues from progressive politics.
Politico reached out for comment from Harris’ transition team, but they did not respond to the overture.
Should Harris win next week, she will have to make some unique choices as she assembles her Cabinet. While some continuity with the Biden administration would be expected, this may not apply to staff in some positions.
Adrianne Todman currently serves as acting secretary of HUD and could be nominated for full Senate confirmation, but Harris could also seek a clean break with the current administration.
When asked about possible cabinet choices, Harris usually objectsadvising reporters and the public to wait until the election results are tabulated to see if these will be decisions she has to make.
