Washington, DC — The Institute for Free Speech applauds the recent nomination of Ashley Stow and Andrew Woodson to the Federal Election Commission.

Stow, of Texas, has been nominated for a term expiring on April 30, 2029, to replace former Commissioner James E. “Trey” Trainor III. Woodson, of Virginia, has been nominated for a term expiring April 30, 2031, to replace former Commissioner Allen Dickerson.

When Dickerson finished his term in April 2025, his departure left the Commission with only three members—one short of the four-commissioner minimum required to conduct essential business.

“I commend President Trump for moving to restore partisan balance to the FEC with at least four members,” said Institute for Free Speech Chairman Bradley A. Smith, a former FEC Chairman. “The FEC can once again perform its most critical role: providing advisory opinions that help campaigns, candidates, and political organizations navigate complex campaign finance questions without risking legal repercussions.”

Smith noted the practical consequences of the FEC’s paralysis. “Without at least four votes, the FEC cannot perform its most vital work. Particularly as we head toward the 2026 midterm elections, political organizations across the ideological spectrum need reliable guidance to operate effectively and within the law.”

Smith added that he urges President Trump and Senate Democratic leadership to “work together to identify a mutually acceptable Democratic nominee to pair with another Republican to soon restore the agency to six commissioners.”

About the Institute for Free Speech

The Institute for Free Speech promotes and defends the political speech rights to freely speak, assemble, publish, and petition the government guaranteed by the First Amendment.