Melquíades Rafael Ruiz Martínez is a Cuban-American lobbyist and former politician who served as a United States senator from Florida from 2005 to 2009 and as general chairman of the Republican Party from November 2006 until October 19, 2007. Previously, Martínez served as the 12th Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President George W. Bush. Martínez is a Cuban-American and Roman Catholic. He announced he was resigning as general chairman of the Republican National Committee on October 19, 2007.
Mel Martínez
Senator Mel Martínez chats with U.S. President George W. Bush in the Center Hall of the White House during a celebration of Cinco de Mayo. The official portrait of former First Lady Betty Ford can be seen on the wall.
United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
The United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development is the head of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, a member of the president's Cabinet, and thirteenth in the presidential line of succession. The post was created with the formation of the Department of Housing and Urban Development on September 9, 1965, by President Lyndon B. Johnson's signing of into law. The department's mission is "to increase homeownership, support community development and increase access to affordable housing free from discrimination."
United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Image: Robert C. Weaver official portrait
Image: Robert C. Wood, the second Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Image: George W. Romney official portrait
