The Senate has confirmed Ben Carson to lead the department of Housing and Urban Development.

The vote was 58-41, with seven Democrats crossing party lines to support Carson's confirmation. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., was not present.

The cabinet position oversees a wide regulatory framework that includes the Federal Housing Administration and Federal Housing Finance Agency, which directly regulates Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

The term of Mel Watt, the current director of the FHFA, ends in 2019.

Carson, a retired neurosurgeon, was a contender for the Republican presidential nomination during the party's 2016 primary race.