WASHINGTON— Gigi Sohn, President Biden’s nominee to run the Federal Communications Commission withdrew her name from consideration Tuesday, according to a statement from the White House. It was clear her nomination didn't have the votes necessary for confirmation after West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin announced late Tuesday he would not vote for her.
According to a statement from Manchin's office, "Sohn has faced unprecedented, bipartisan opposition to her nomination as a result of her years of partisan activism, inflammatory statements online, and work with far-left groups. She has also spent many years as a public interest advocate, using similarly inflammatory language on social media."
Sohn would have been the first openly gay FCC commissioner.
The commission currently comprises two Republican and two Democrat members. Sohn would have been the tie-breaking vote if she had been confirmed.
Democrat Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash), who chairs the Senate Commerce Committee, has long supported Sohn’s nomination and made clear she wanted President Biden to renominate her to break the deadlock at the commission.
“While I am disappointed, I respect Gigi Sohn’s decision to withdraw her nomination as an FCC Commissioner. Throughout the past 16 months, Ms. Sohn has demonstrated her expertise in telecommunications law, deep experience and commitment to ensuring that every American has access to affordable broadband regardless of where they live."
Sen. Cantwell also made clear the intent of the smear campaign orchestrated by opponents, calling the personal attacks “distractions from the fact that Ms. Sohn is immensely qualified for this position and a highly effective, would be, FCC commissioner…this is a proxy fight for net neutrality.”