FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks has announced he is resigning sometime this Spring, although his term doesn’t expire until 2027.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Geoffrey Starks has announced his intention to resign this Spring, cutting short his term that was set to expire in 2027. His departure could have significant implications for the balance of power within the FCC, potentially giving Chairman Brendan Carr a temporary Republican majority.
In a letter to President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Starks stated that serving as an FCC Commissioner had been “the honor of my life.” He emphasized the agency’s work in promoting broadband access, consumer protection, and national security. “I have learned so much from my time in this position, particularly when I have heard directly from Americans on the issues that matter to them,” Starks wrote.
A changing power dynamic at the FCC
Starks’ resignation comes at a pivotal moment for the FCC. With his departure, the agency’s current 2-2 political split between Democrats and Republicans could briefly tilt in favor of Republicans if he steps down before the Senate confirms Trump’s nominee, Olivia Trusty. A temporary 2-1 Republican majority under Chairman Carr could allow him to push forward policies without Democratic opposition.
A Trump-appointed commissioner, Carr has been vocal about taking a more aggressive regulatory approach. He has raised concerns over content regulation, launching investigations into public broadcasters PBS and NPR while advocating for policies that would remove specific diversity and inclusion initiatives from the FCC’s scope. With a Republican majority, Carr may have a freer hand to implement these policies before the commission is fully staffed again.
Tributes and controversy
Carr praised Starks for his tenure at the FCC, calling him “a tremendous public servant.” He highlighted Starks’ work on national security initiatives and efforts to bridge the digital divide, saying, “Commissioner Starks put in the work and leaves an impressive legacy of accomplishments in public service. I always learned a lot from him and benefited from the many events we held together.”
Despite the warm farewell, Starks and Carr have clashed on key issues, including diversity and equity programs, which have been scaled back under Carr’s leadership.
As speculation swirls around Starks’ replacement, Bloomberg has reported that David Goldman, SpaceX’s director of satellite policy, and Didier Barjon, a legislative aide to Senator Chuck Schumer, are among those being considered for the seat. The appointment will be crucial in shaping the future direction of the FCC, particularly in regulatory decisions affecting broadband expansion, net neutrality, and spectrum allocation.
With Starks stepping down, President Trump must nominate a replacement to restore a Democratic presence on the commission. However, until that nominee is confirmed, Carr may have an opportunity to push forward a more conservative agenda.
Meanwhile, Starks says he is focused on ensuring a smooth transition. “Over the next few weeks, I look forward to working with the Chairman and my fellow Commissioners, as well as all FCC staff, to further the mission of the agency,” he said in his statement.
