Federal Election Agency Left Without Commissioners
President Donald Trump has removed the remaining members of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), leaving the independent bipartisan agency without commissioners just months before the 2026 midterm elections.
The departures included Democratic commissioners Thomas Hicks and Benjamin Hovland, while Republican commissioner Christy McCormick resigned from the agency. The commission’s fourth seat had already been vacant following the departure of Republican commissioner Donald Palmer earlier this year.
What the Election Assistance Commission Does
Created by Congress through the Help America Vote Act of 2002 following the disputed 2000 presidential election, the EAC serves as the federal government’s primary agency focused on election administration.
The commission helps certify voting systems, distributes election security funding, maintains the national mail voter registration form and provides guidance to state and local election officials across the country. Although states administer elections, the EAC plays a key supporting role in maintaining election infrastructure and standards.
Supreme Court Ruling Expanded Presidential Authority
The move comes shortly after a recent Supreme Court decision that broadened presidential authority to remove officials from independent federal agencies. The ruling has already affected several agencies across the federal government and is expected to have long-term implications for executive power.
The White House defended the decision, saying the administration is focused on election security and ensuring confidence in the electoral process.
Critics Raise Concerns Ahead of Midterm Elections
The timing of the dismissals has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers and election experts, who argue that leaving the commission without leadership ahead of the midterms could disrupt important election administration functions.
Supporters of the move argue that the president has the authority to reshape executive branch agencies and align them with administration priorities following the Supreme Court ruling.
Uncertainty Over Next Steps
It remains unclear how quickly the administration intends to nominate replacements for the vacant positions. Under federal law, EAC commissioners must be nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate, with no more than two commissioners belonging to the same political party.
Until new commissioners are confirmed, questions remain over how the agency will carry out some of its statutory responsibilities during a crucial election cycle.
A Major Election Story in 2026
The removal of the commission’s leadership represents one of the most significant election administration developments of the year and is likely to intensify political debate over federal involvement in U.S. elections as the country moves closer to the midterm vote.