The Democratic mayor of Charlotte, who coordinated efforts on behalf of a host city for the Democratic National Convention, has been tapped by President Obama to be the next transportation secretary.
President Obama said Mayor Anthony Foxx was “one of the best mayors that Charlotte has ever seen” and called him “an impressive leader,” saying his local government experience would help him manage the nation’s roads, bridges and airports.
In accepting the nomination, Mayor Foxx praised the president saying they had earned “the admiration and appreciation of America’s mayors.”
He pledged to seek bipartisan solutions to transportation problems.
Foxx, who is black, provides diversity to President Obama’s cabinet after criticism that the president had not done enough to recruit advisers from diverse backgrounds.
Foxx would be the second black member of the cabinet, joining Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr.
“I am thrilled that Anthony Foxx will be nominated to serve as Secretary of Transportation. Mayor Foxx has done terrific work for the people of Charlotte, and I know he will be a strong leader at the Department of Transportation,” said North Carolina Senator Kay Hagan in a release. “He has a deep understanding of the urgent need to rebuild our national infrastructure, which is critical to maintaining a strong and growing economy. This is great news for North Carolina and our country, and I look forward to a swift confirmation for Anthony.”
Just three weeks ago, Mr. Foxx announced that he would not seek re-election as mayor this year because he wanted to spend more time with his family, including two children who were born after he joined the Charlotte City Council in 2005.
Foxx turned 42 on Tuesday.
Foxx became the first black student body president at Davidson College and earned a law degree from New York University.
Reach Anthony Gonzalez at 336-835-1513 or email at agonzalez@civitasmedia.com.
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