Scott Turner (politician)

Scott Turner
Executive Director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council
In office April 4, 2019 – 2021
President	Donald Trump
Preceded by	Position established
Member of the Texas House of Representatives from the 33rd district
In office January 8, 2013 – January 9, 2017
Preceded by	Raul Torres
Succeeded by	Justin Holland
Personal details
Born	Eric Scott Turner (1972-02-26) February 26, 1972 Richardson, Texas, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Education	University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (BA)
Signature
American football career
No. 29, 21
Position:	Cornerback
Personal information
Height:	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight:	180 lb (82 kg)
Career information
High school:	J. J. Pearce (TX)
College:	Illinois
NFL draft:	1995 / round: 7 / pick: 226
Career history
Washington Redskins (1995–1997) San Diego Chargers (1998–2001) Denver Broncos (2003)
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Eric Scott Turner (born February 26, 1972) is an American businessman, motivational speaker, politician, and former professional football player, who previously served as the executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council. Turner formerly served as a Texas state representative for the 33rd District, which includes part of Collin County and all of Rockwall County. Before entering politics, Turner was an American football cornerback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons.

Education and football career

Turner played football at Pearce High School in Richardson, Texas. He then attended the University of Illinois, where he played as their starting cornerback and graduated from with a degree in speech communications. He declared for the NFL Draft in 1995 and was selected by the Washington Redskins in the seventh round. Between 1995 and 2004, Turner played for the Redskins, San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos. He would be the last Charger to wear #21 before Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson.

Political career

During NFL off-seasons, Turner worked as an intern for Congressman Duncan Hunter. After retiring from football, he accepted a full-time job in the congressman's office. In 2006, he ran for the vacated seat of California's 50th congressional district in the 2006 special election to replace Duke Cunningham. In the blanket primary election held April 11, 2006, Turner finished eighth out of 17 candidates.

After the loss, Turner moved back to Frisco, Texas, where he continued his motivational speaking. In April 2007, he took a job at Systemware, a content management software company, where he is currently director of business development. He also launched a custom men's suit clothing line.

In 2012, Turner announced his candidacy for the newly created 33rd District of the Texas House of Representatives. Turner defeated Jim Pruitt in the Republican primary and defeated Libertarian candidate Michael Carrasco in the November 6 general election. He was sworn in on January 8, 2013. In 2013, he was named by GOPAC to their list of Emerging Leaders in the Republican party.

Turner with at The White House Opportunity Zones Conference with President Donald Trump (right).

Turner challenged Joe Straus for role of Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives in January 2015, the first recorded Speaker vote since 1976. Though backed by the Tea Party Caucus, Turner lost to Straus by 127 votes to 19. Turner declined to run for re-election to the Texas Legislature.

In 2019, President Trump appointed Turner as the director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, created by Executive Order 13853.

Post-political career

At the December 27, 2020 church service for Prestonwood Baptist Church (where Turner and his family are members), it was announced that Turner will be joining the pastoral staff upon the transition from the Trump to the Biden administration.

In 2023, Turner was named Chief Visionary Officer of JPI, a new leadership role focused on the development and execution of a comprehensive strategic vision for the company's growth and expansion. JPI is a national developer, builder, and investment manager of Class A, attainable and affordable multifamily assets across the U.S. Recognized by NMHC as the fastest growing developer in the U.S., JPI is headquartered in Irving, Texas, and has two offices in Southern California. With a 33-year history of successful developments throughout major U.S. markets and an unparalleled depth of industry-specific experience, JPI stands among the most active privately held real estate companies in the country.

External links

• 2006 campaign website
• House profile
• Appearances on C-SPAN