Trump Nominates Two Republicans to FEC, Paving Path to End Monthslong Shutdown

President Donald Trump on Wednesday nominated two Republicans to seats on the Federal Election Commission, the first step toward reopening the idled federal campaign finance regulator as the 2026 midterms get underway.

Trump nominated Andrew Woodson, a lawyer at Wiley Rein who previously worked for former FEC Chair Lee Goodman, and Ashley Stow, who previously worked with former FEC Commissioner Trey Trainor, to fill two of the four vacancies on the commission. If the Senate confirms Stow and Woodson, four of the six commission seats will be filled for the first time since April 2025.

This would allow the FEC to once again attend to its highest-level duties, including investigating complaints, fining political committees that break federal campaign finance laws, issuing rules, defending the agency in court and issuing formal responses to novel legal questions.

The nominees have been on the president’s desk for months while the election agency languished without enough commissioners to carry out high-level responsibilities.

NOTUS reported in July that congressional leaders had recommended Stow, Woodson and Democrat Jonathan Peterson of Elias Law Group to Trump to fill the three vacant seats that became vacant between January and April 2025.

The FEC currently has two Democratic commissioners — Shana M. Broussard (Chair) and Dara Lindenbaum — and four vacant seats, according to the agency’s official website.

About the Federal Election Commission

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is the independent regulatory agency charged with administering and enforcing federal campaign finance law. The FEC has jurisdiction over the financing of campaigns for the U.S. House, Senate, Presidency and Vice Presidency.

The commission is composed of six members, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. No more than three commissioners can be members of the same political party. The FEC’s duties include disclosing campaign finance information, enforcing provisions of the Federal Election Campaign Act, and overseeing the public funding of presidential elections.

The agency plays a critical role in ensuring transparency and accountability in federal elections by monitoring contributions and expenditures, investigating potential violations, and providing guidance to candidates and political committees.

Recent Developments at the FEC

The FEC has been unable to conduct many of its core functions since April 2025 due to a lack of quorum. With fewer than four members, the commission cannot vote on substantive matters such as enforcement actions, rulemaking, or advisory opinions.

This prolonged shutdown has hampered the agency’s ability to respond to campaign finance complaints and enforce compliance with federal election laws during the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections.

President Trump previously removed Democratic FEC Chair Ellen Weintraub from service in February 2025, further contributing to the commission’s inability to function.

What the Nominations Mean for the 2026 Elections

Filling four of the six seats would restore the FEC’s ability to perform essential oversight functions. With a quorum, the commission could resume:

• Investigating complaints against political committees and candidates
• Issuing fines for violations of campaign finance laws
• Creating and updating regulations governing political spending
• Providing legal guidance through advisory opinions
• Defending itself in court challenges

This renewed capacity would be particularly significant as the 2026 midterm elections approach, ensuring that campaign finance laws are enforced and that transparency in political spending is maintained.

Key Takeaways

• President Trump nominated Andrew Woodson and Ashley Stow to fill two vacancies on the Federal Election Commission.
• If confirmed, the FEC would have four members for the first time since April 2025, restoring its quorum.
• A functioning FEC is essential for enforcing campaign finance laws and ensuring transparency in federal elections.
• The nominations come amid preparations for the 2026 midterm elections.
• The FEC currently has two Democratic commissioners and four vacant seats.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Federal Election Commission?

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is an independent regulatory agency responsible for administering and enforcing federal campaign finance laws in the United States.

Why has the FEC been unable to function?

The FEC has lacked a quorum (at least four members) since April 2025, preventing it from voting on enforcement actions, rulemaking, and other substantive matters.

Who did President Trump nominate to the FEC?

President Trump nominated Andrew Woodson, a lawyer at Wiley Rein, and Ashley Stow, who previously worked with former FEC Commissioner Trey Trainor.

What happens if the nominees are confirmed?

If confirmed by the Senate, the FEC would have four members, restoring its ability to conduct investigations, issue fines, create regulations, and perform other core functions.

How does the FEC impact elections?

The FEC ensures compliance with federal campaign finance laws by disclosing financial activity, investigating violations, and enforcing penalties, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in elections.