Lone FEC Republican to stay and block weaponization by Democrats – Washington Examiner
James E. “Trey” Trainor III, the only Republican on the Federal Election Commission (FEC), has chosen to remain in his role rather then pursue a run for Texas Attorney General. Trainor expressed his commitment to preventing the FEC from being manipulated as a political tool by Democrats.He acknowledged the encouragement he received to run for office but deemed it significant to maintain Republican oversight in the agency,especially given the current habitat where the FEC is at risk of becoming increasingly partisan. With only three of six commissioner positions filled, Trainor’s continued service is seen as vital to upholding fair election practices adn ensuring that the FEC serves all Americans equitably. His decision also reflects his loyalty to the constitutional principles of free speech and fair enforcement of campaign finance laws, which he aims to protect during his tenure at the commission.
Lone FEC Republican to stay and block weaponization by Democrats
The lone Republican commissioner on the Federal Election Commission has decided to forgo a run for Texas attorney general and stick with the agency to prevent it from being used as a political weapon by Democrats.
James E. “Trey” Trainor III thanked those who encouraged him to run and explained that he was unwilling to leave control of the election financing watchdog in the hands of the two remaining Democrats on the FEC.
“At this critical time for our democratic institutions, facing efforts to break norms and weaponize law enforcement for political advantage, I believe it is my duty to continue serving on the Commission,” Trainor, FEC vice chairman, said in a statement shared with Secrets.
“The FEC must not become a partisan tool. We have a responsibility to ensure that it remains a fair, balanced forum for enforcing campaign finance law and protecting the rights of all Americans to participate in the political process,” he added.
Just a month ago, he told Secrets that he was considering a run for the job opening with current Attorney General Ken Paxton challenging Texas Sen. John Cornyn in the GOP primary. His strong ties to President Donald Trump, who appointed him to the FEC during the Republican’s first term, were seen as a big advantage in a possible race.
At the agency, Trainor has muscled support to block Democrats from weaponizing the FEC against Trump and Republicans. He has also traveled internationally to observe elections and promote democracy.
But this year has seen commissioners flee, leaving it with just three of six members. At three, the FEC does not even have a meeting quorum, though it still works on cases.
If he left to run for office in Texas, that would leave two Democrats, Chairwoman Shana M. Broussard and Commissioner Dara Lindenbaum, in charge of the agency.
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“I am humbled by the support and encouragement of so many fellow Texans, but this is not the right time for me or for my family to enter a statewide campaign. More importantly, I believe my continued service on the Commission is vital to ensuring the FEC remains a guardian of political fairness — not a weapon against those who dare to speak, organize, or run for office. President Trump entrusted me with protecting Americans’ free speech rights and ensuring fair enforcement of election laws, and that’s what I’ll continue to do for now,” said Trainor, who has served twice as chairman.
The FEC is facing several court cases that the remaining commissioners can handle. What’s more, having a Trump appointee still on the FEC will help White House officials with their expected nominees to fill the three vacancies at the bipartisan agency.
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