Gigi Sohn is withdrawing from her nomination to become a telecommunications regulator at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Sohn was nominated by President Biden but faced a 16-month lobbying battle to block her appointment, according to The Washington Post.
With the vote locked at 2-2, Sohn dropped out when Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) said he would vote against her in a statement on Tuesday.
“Especially now, the FCC must remain above the toxic partisanship that Americans are sick and tired of, and Ms. Sohn has clearly shown she is not the person to do that. For those reasons, I cannot support her nomination to the FCC, and I urge the Biden Administration to put forth a nominee who can bring us together, not drive us apart,” Manchin said.
Sohn claimed she withdrew due to “unrelenting, dishonest and cruel attacks” stemming from “dark money” political groups, The Washington Post reported.
“It is a sad day for our country and our democracy when dominant industries, with assistance from unlimited dark money, get to choose their regulators. And with the help of their friends in the Senate, the powerful cable and media companies have done just that,” Sohn alleged in a statement, according to CNN.
Sohn’s past social media posts and views on certain issues came under fire following her nomination, which she said took an “enormous toll” on her and her family, according to Fox News.
Her long bid for the position included three Senate confirmation hearings that never resulted in a floor vote for her confirmation, Fox News reported.
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) issued a statement on Tuesday celebrating Sohn’s decision not to pursue the position.
“The withdrawal of Ms. Sohn’s nomination is a major victory and represents a strong bipartisan agreement that we need a fair and impartial candidate who can receive the support needed for confirmation,” Cruz said. “The FCC is not a place for partisan activists; free speech is too important. Now, it’s time for the Biden administration to put forth a nominee who can be confirmed by the full Senate and is committed to serving as an even-handed and truly independent regulator.”
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called Sohn’s decision “clearly unfortunate,” according to Reuters.
“We appreciate Gigi Sohn’s candidacy for this important role. She would have brought tremendous intellect and experience,” Jean-Pierre said, per Reuters.
The press secretary refused to comment on who the White House is now considering for nomination, according to CNN.
