Federal Election Commission Vice Chairman Matthew Petersen resigned Monday, effective Aug. 31, meaning the agency cannot vote on any actions that have been proposed.
"Throughout my service, I have faithfully discharged my duty to enforce the law in a manner that respects free speech rights, while also fairly interpreting the relevant statutes and regulations and providing meaningful notice to those subject to FEC jurisdiction," Petersen wrote to President Donald Trump in his resignation letter, according to The Hill. "I am honored to have served the American people in this capacity and to have fulfilled the oath taken 11 years ago."
A spokesperson for the FEC declined to comment other than to confirm Petersen's resignation. According to the FEC's website, "by law, no more than three Commissioners can represent the same political party, and at least four votes are required for any official Commission action. This structure was created to encourage nonpartisan decisions."
Petersen, a Republican, joined the FEC in 2008. The remaining commissioners include Democratic Chairwoman Ellen Weintraub, Republican Caroline Hunter, and independent Steven Walther. Although Republican Trey Trainor has been nominated by Trump to the FEC, he has not been confirmed by the Senate.
"To ensure promising new technologies designed to encourage voter outreach, small-dollar fundraising, and political association continue to flourish, I have consistently opposed unnecessarily rigid regulatory rulings," Petersen wrote, noting his focus on the area. "I've also been a staunch advocate for protecting the Internet as a vibrant medium for disseminating political speech and increasing participation in the democratic process."
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.