FEC Loses Quorum After Commissioner Dickerson Resignation

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) has been rendered inoperative after Commissioner Allen Dickerson resigned, leaving the agency without the four-member quorum required to enforce campaign finance laws, issue advisory opinions, or approve audits. Dickerson's resignation follows the earlier departures of Republican Sean Cooksey and the controversial removal of Democratic Commissioner Ellen Weintraub by former President Donald Trump, with her seat remaining vacant. The loss of quorum means the FEC cannot investigate campaign finance complaints, conduct audits, or levy fines, raising concerns among watchdog groups about the agency's ability to safeguard election integrity ahead of the 2026 midterms. This is the fourth time in the FEC’s history it has lost quorum, leaving it unable to perform its critical oversight functions. Experts and political reform groups warn that without a functioning commission, the robust scrutiny of political money is at risk, further undermining the transparency and accountability of federal elections.