WASHINGTON — President Obama is expected to announce today that he will pick Charlotte, NC, Mayor Anthony Foxx as his next transportation secretary, a White House official said.
Foxx, 41, who helped to lead last year’s Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, would be the first African-American Obama tapped to serve in his Cabinet during the second term.
He would succeed Ray LaHood, who decided not to serve a second term.
As mayor, he has been credited with improving Charlotte’s public transportation, including the creation of a street-car system and expansion of the airport.
“Foxx’s career as a public official in a rapidly changing urban environment has been marked by an ability to integrate local, state and federal resources to meet important transportation challenges,” said a White House official.
If confirmed, Foxx would be the second black Cabinet member, with US Attorney Eric Holder.