Republican Federal Communications Commission member Nathan Simington will exit his role at the agency at the end of the week.

Simington, who was first confirmed to the regulatory agency during President Donald Trump’s first term in December 2020, called the appointment the “greatest honor of my professional life” and said he remains committed to “advancing the cause of limited government, free speech, and American innovation.”

“Throughout my tenure, I worked to defend free expression, safeguard national security, and promote infrastructure investment to benefit all Americans,” his statement continued. “As I turn the page on this chapter, I do so with immense gratitude for the opportunity to serve and for the many colleagues and friends who made this journey so meaningful. I look forward to continuing to serve the public interest in the years ahead and to contributing to the vital conversations surrounding our communications infrastructure, national security, and technological leadership.”

An individual familiar with the matter told TheWrap that Simington was up for reappointment and was choosing to move on professionally.

His departure from the five-member body comes as Democrat George Starkey announced he would formally depart later this month. Republican Olivia Trusty has also been nominated to the agency, but awaits confirmation by the Senate, leaving Republican FCC chairman Brendan Carr and Democrat Anna Gomez as the two lone remaining members.

The FCC requires a minimum of at least three active commissioners to form a quorum and conduct official business.

More to come…