President Biden announced his intent to nominate Anna Gomez to fill the empty seat on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), with Commissioners Geoffrey Starks and Brendan Carr getting his recommendation for renominations.
Gomez currently serves as a senior advisor for International Information and Communications Policy in the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy. She served as the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) deputy administrator from 2009 to 2013.
She also served for 12 years in various positions at the FCC, including as deputy chief of the International Bureau and as senior legal advisor to then-Chairman William Kennard.
Prior to joining the State Department in 2023, Gomez was a partner in Wiley LLP’s telecommunications media and technology group. Gomez also was vice president for Federal and State Government Affairs at Sprint Nextel and an associate at Arnold and Porter.
If confirmed, Gomez would give the FCC its first Democratic majority since Biden took office and break the 2-2 political tie that has been in place.
Born in Orlando, Florida, Gomez spent her childhood in Bogota, Colombia, before her family relocated to New Jersey. A resident of Virginia, she earned her B.A. in pre-law from Pennsylvania State University and her J.D. from George Washington University Law School.
CTIA, the Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) and the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) are among the long list of organizations applauding the nomination.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel issued a statement today congratulating Gomez on her nomination. "She brings with her a wealth of telecommunications experience, a substantial record of public service, and a history of working to ensure the U.S. stays on the cutting edge of keeping us all connected," Rosenworcel said. "I wish her all the best during the confirmation process."
Gomez’s nomination wasn’t unexpected.
On Thursday, Bloomberg reported on Biden’s intentions to nominate Gomez.
In March, Biden’s nominee Gigi Sohn withdrew her nomination to the FCC, saying the attacks on her character had taken a toll on her and her family. Sohn’s nomination was the target of Republican attacks that lasted over 16 months.