Thomas Hicks has been tapped to chair the Election Assistance Commission, an agency that is considered central to protecting the U.S. election infrastructure from cyberthreats, the commission announced on Friday. Reuters reported on Thursday that Republican House Speaker, Rep. Paul Ryan, decided not to recommend former chairman Matthew Masterson for a second term as one of the EAC’s four commissioners. Commissioners are recommended by congressional leadership, nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. According to Reuters, some state officials were surprised that Masterson was not considered for a second term as commissioner, given that he has focused much of his tenure on cybersecurity.
Hicks’s term as chairman began on Feb. 24, the day after the announcement. Hicks has served as an EAC commissioner since December 2014. He previously served as chairman from February 2016 to February 2017.
“I was working on [Capitol] Hill when the Help America Vote Act was first implemented. I am proud that more than 15 years later, this commission remains a vital resource for state and local election administrators, voters and stakeholders. I plan to spend the coming year as chairman strengthening the support we provide to these constituents and working to ensure elections are accessible, secure, and efficient,” Hicks said in a press release.
Full Article: New EAC chairman will continue to focus on election security.