The FCC is facing an unusual leadership vacuum, and 31-year-old Gavin Wax may be next in line to fill it. As Commissioner Nathan Simington prepares to depart, Wax, his Chief of Staff and a rising GOP media figure, is reportedly under serious consideration by President Donald Trump for the open seat.
FOX News reports that Wax is seen as a staunch conservative on technology and media issues and maintains strong ties to Trump-era officials and Republican leadership. If confirmed, he would become the youngest FCC Commissioner in U.S. history. Wax rose to prominence as President of the New York Young Republican Club and joined Simington’s team in April.
Simington’s sudden departure, combined with the long-anticipated exit of Democratic Commissioner Geoffrey Starks, leaves the FCC without the three-member quorum required to conduct official business. While Starks had previously announced plans to step down, Simington’s decision came as a surprise and has complicated Republican efforts to quickly secure a majority under Chairman Brendan Carr.
“The highlight of my career,” is how Starks described his tenure. “I am immensely proud of all that we have achieved together. I want to thank my team, and all of the parties that work alongside the Commission – from industry to public sector advocates – for their collaboration and partnership. Most importantly, I want to thank the staff of the Commission – in my opinion, the very best of public servants.”
While Commissioner Carr acknowledged the new leadership landscape in a blog post, he has issued no formal statement. “I want to express my thanks and appreciation to Commissioner Starks and Commissioner Simington,” he wrote. “I wish them all the best in their next endeavors.”
Until a third commissioner is confirmed, the FCC cannot vote on rules, issue orders, or move forward with key regulatory actions. A Republican majority under Carr is now delayed, and Trump’s other nominee, Olivia Trusty, remains stalled in the Senate.