San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro. Photo from Facebook

The Senate voted 71-26 on Wednesday to confirm San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro as the new leader for the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Castro replaces Shaun Donovan, who ran the department since the start of the Obama administration in January 2009. Donovan has been nominated to serve as the director of the White House Office of Management and Budget.

"My public service has been guided by a desire to see all folks have the same opportunities I've been blessed with," Castro said on his Facebook page after the Senate vote. "That spirit will guide my work at HUD. I'm ready. Let's make opportunity happen!"

HUD manages about $700 million in funds for Indian housing programs.

Get the Story:
Senate OKs San Antonio mayor as housing secretary (AP 7/9)
Senate confirms Julian Castro to head HUD (The Washington Post 7/10)
Senate Confirms Obama's Pick for Housing Secretary (The New York Times 7/10)

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Obama to choose new Housing and Urban Development leader (05/19)