Ben Carson

Ben Carson REPRepublican

United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2017 to 2021

Profile Photo
Ben CarsonREPRepublican United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2017 to 2021
72
Years of Age
4
Years of Experience
MDResidence (state)

Benjamin Solomon Carson Sr. (born September 18, 1951) is an American retired neurosurgeon, academic, author, and politician who served as the 17th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2017 to 2021. A pioneer in the field of neurosurgery, he was a candidate for President of the United States in the 2016 Republican primaries. Carson is one of the most prominent Black conservatives in America.Carson became the director of pediatric neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center in 1984 at age 33, then the youngest chief of pediatric neurosurgery in the United States. In 1987, he gained significant fame after leading a team of surgeons in the first known separation of conjoined twins joined at the back of the head. Although the surgery was a success, the twins continued to experience neurological and medical complications. His additional accomplishments include performing the first successful neurosurgical procedure on a fetus inside the womb, developing new methods to treat brain-stem tumors, and revitalizing hemispherectomy techniques for controlling seizures. He has written over 100 neurosurgical publications. He retired from medicine in 2013; at the time, he was professor of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery, and pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.Carson gained national fame among political conservatives after delivering a speech at the 2013 National Prayer Breakfast that was perceived as critical of the policies of President Barack Obama. Following widespread speculation of a presidential run, Carson officially announced his campaign for the 2016 Republican nomination for President in May 2015.

Voterly's Issue Scores  (1 - 1 of 1)

Below lists the position this politician has taken on a political issue. The star rating represents the politician's prioritization and action on the issue based on data collected by relevant interest groups. Select an issue to view a more in-depth explanation of each rating.

Special Interest Group Ratings

Interest Groups That SUPPORT
Rating
Interest Groups That OPPOSE
Rating
Average Score

Disclaimer: A special interest group's positions on issues are gathered from various reputable sources including the organization's website, social media accounts, press releases, and other public communications. Special interest group politician ratings are provided by VoteSmart.org. Positions and ratings are subject to change and we may experience delays, interruptions, or errors, as a result. If you believe this information is inaccurate, please submit a problem report. Submit Report.

Campaign Funding

20
16
$63,336,171
Total Raised
$62,345,758
Total Spent
$990,414
Cash on Hand
Financial Data Source: Center for Responsive Politics
Education7 - 7 of 5
University of Michigan Medical School
University of Michigan
Yale University
Davenport College
Southwestern High School
Past Positions1 - 10 of 10
Secretary
Department of Housing and Urban Development
2017 - 2021
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
United States of America
2016
Emeritus Professor
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Current
Pediatric Neurosurgery Director
Johns Hopkins Children's Center
2013
Co-Founder
Carson Scholars Fund
1994
Former Bank Teller
Former Crane Operator
Steel Factory
Former School Bus Driver
Former Supervisor
Highway Cleanup Crews
Former X-Ray Technician
Other Experience1 - 10 of 10
Emeritus Fellow
Yale Corporation
Current
Member
Horatio Alger Society of Distinguished Americans
Current
Member
Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
Current
Member
Institute of Medicine/National Academy of Science
Current
Speaker
National Prayer Breakfast
1997
Speaker
National Prayer Breakfast
2013
Former Board of Directors Member
Academy of Achievement
Former Board of Directors Member
Kellogg Company
Former Board of Directors Member
Costco Wholesale Corporation
Member
PresidentÂ’s Council on Bioethics
2004