In a published statement, Fudge said she has "mixed emotions" regarding leaving her post, but will do so starting March 22. In a separate interview with USA Today, Fudge said her decision to resign was mostly personal and stemmed from her desire to spend more time with her mother, Marian Garth Saffold, and other relatives in Ohio.

Some have speculated, however, that an additional reason for her resignation may have been a lower than expected budget allotted to the department for 2024.

Fudge, a lifelong Democrat, has been a public servant for over five decades.

Her career includes services as a U.S. Representative for the 11th Congressional District of Ohio in Congress from 2008 to 2021.

During her tenure at HUD, Fudge has worked to simplify the point of entry to homeownership  for borrowers and has focused on addressing homelessness, funding more than 2 million units of public housing and multifamily housing, a press release said.

Some of her accomplishments include the creation of the Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity (PAVE) taskforce, lowering mortgage insurance premiums and incorporating positive rental history into FHA's underwriting.

Adrianne Todman, HUD's deputy secretary, will become Acting HUD Secretary after Fudge's departure.

President Joe Biden and others commended Fudge for her service.

"From her time as a mayor, to her years as a fierce advocate in the U.S. House of Representatives, Marcia's vision, passion, and focus on increasing economic opportunity have been assets to our country," wrote Biden in a statement. " I'm grateful for all of her contributions toward a housing system that works for all Americans, and I wish her well in her next chapter."

David Dworkin, CEO of the National Housing Conference, said she "surpassed all expectations, including her own."

"Throughout her leadership, Secretary Fudge has been a steadfast advocate for equitable housing policies, championing initiatives aimed at alleviating homelessness, expanding access to affordable housing, and fostering sustainable communities," Dworkin wrote in a statement. "During the pandemic, HUD's actions helped hundreds of thousands of people who she will never know but who will never forget what was done for their families. Secretary Fudge's decision to reduce FHA's mortgage insurance premium has positively impacted millions of individuals, helping mitigate America's housing affordability challenges."

HUD secretary's exit comes right before the election season ramps up, with President Biden and Donald Trump expected to face off in November.