Cruz, Cornyn Split on Castro Confirmation

^{Editor's note: This story has been updated with a statement from U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz.}

San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro won confirmation Wednesday morning as the next secretary of housing and urban development after facing little opposition since he was nominated for the cabinet post in May.

The vote was 71-26.

Texas' two senators split on the vote. John Cornyn, who introduced Castro at his confirmation hearing, voted yes. Ted Cruz voted no.

“I’m proud of Julián and excited for our country," said U.S. Rep. Joaquín Castro, D-San Antonio, the new cabinet secretary's twin brother. "I’m confident Julián will work tirelessly in his new role making responsible homeownership more accessible, combating homelessness and strengthening the rise of cities across our country.”

Cruz released a statement explaining that his no vote was based on "concerns my colleagues voiced in his nomination hearing. Specifically, questions regarding the use of eminent domain by local municipalities, FHA loans, and the federal enforcement of local zoning and housing laws were not sufficiently answered. We need a HUD Secretary who will help wind down our government’s heavy hand in housing, not simply further the President's regulatory agenda. Despite our differences in policy, I am committed to working in good faith with the mayor in his new role and wish him all the best."