Scott Turner

In Office

Trump Appointee

Republican

Conservative

Opportunity Zones

Politician

Scott Turner is a former NFL wide receiver and return specialist who played seven seasons, primarily with the Dallas Cowboys (2004-2008, 2010) and San Diego Chargers. After retiring, he worked in commercial real estate at CBRE and founded the non-profit Discover My Purpose, focusing on youth mentorship. Ordained as a minister in 2010, Turner served in the Trump administration as Special Assistant to the President for Community and Faith-Based Initiatives (2018) and Executive Director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council (2019-2021). In November 2024, President-elect Donald Trump nominated him for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

/ 100

Mixed

Independence Score

Says vs Does

What they claim vs what their actions show

🗣️ SAYS THEY ARE

Conservative Republican

⚡ ACTUALLY ALIGNS

Republican Party and Business Interests

🎯 Primary Loyalties (Ranked)

Republican Party
Donald Trump Administration
Faith-Based Initiatives
Texas Constituents

📋 Actions That Prove It

✓Served as Texas State Representative (2013-2017), sponsoring HB 910 for foster care improvements and HB 2730 for abortion restrictions
✓Appointed Executive Director of White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council (2019-2021), overseeing implementation of Opportunity Zones tax incentives
✓Supported the First Step Act (2018), contributing to federal criminal justice reform efforts as a Trump administration official
✓Nominated for U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (2024), withdrawn after endorsement of Trump

⚠️ Contradictions

•Publicly emphasized criminal justice reform for underserved communities, but Opportunity Zones primarily provided tax breaks to high-income investors rather than direct aid
•Claimed focus on working families, yet supported Texas legislation advancing school vouchers potentially benefiting private entities over public schools
•Positioned as independent conservative outsider, but maintained close alignment with Trump administration policies including corporate tax cuts

Career Background

•NFL Cornerback (Washington Redskins 2003-2008, San Diego Chargers 2009)
•Founder and President, Ascend Servants (non-profit, 2010-present)
•Lead Pastor, Embassy City Church (formerly Joyful Sound Ministries, Irving, TX, 2012-present)
•Senior Advisor to HUD Secretary Ben Carson (2017-2018)
•Executive Director, White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council (2018-2021)
•Republican Candidate for U.S. House Texas District 6 (announced 2022, suspended campaign)

Endorsements

•Received endorsement from Donald Trump for U.S. House TX-06 Republican primary (March 2022)
•Endorsed and spoke in support of Donald Trump at 2020 Republican National Convention