Trey Trainor, a longtime ally of President Donald Trump, resigned from his role as Federal Election Commissioner last week to announce his candidacy for the U.S. House seat currently held by Rep. Chip Roy, who is planning to run for Texas attorney general.
His departure from the FEC leaves the commission with only four members, two short of its full six-member quorum, which is necessary for certain actions. The FEC lost its quorum in April, and no new appointments have been made.
“Texans deserve a proven conservative who will fight for their values, secure our border, rein in wasteful spending, and defend our freedoms,” Trainor said in a statement. “I’m ready to bring my experience from Austin and Washington to Congress and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with President Trump to put America First.”
He is entering a crowded Republican primary field that includes former MLB All-Star Mark Teixeira, former county GOP chairman Mike Wheeler, and former district attorney nominee Daniel Betts.
An admirer of President Trump, Traionor told NOTUS in an interview that he had received encouragement from “many friends in the White House” and suggested that state Republicans are “eager to get behind a candidate they know can deliver on President Trump’s promises.” He added, “Donald Trump is just an incredible campaigner. He’s an Energizer Bunny, and I hope to bring that same energy to my campaign.”
Trainor’s ties to Trump date back to the 2016 election cycle, when he served as general counsel to the Republican National Convention’s platform committee. Trump nominated him to the FEC in 2017, and he was confirmed by the Senate in 2020.
