President Donald Trump July 17 nominated David LeCerte to fill the seat of former Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Chairman Willie Phillips, a Democrat, who resigned earlier this year at the president’s request.
If confirmed by the Senate, Republicans would take the majority on the commission.
His term would take over the remainder of Phillips’ term, expiring June 30, 2026. Trump nominated him as a member of FERC, not as chairman, according to the White House.
LeCerte, an attorney from Louisiana, currently serves as principal White House liaison and senior advisor to the director of the Office of Personnel Management, according to his LinkedIn profile. During the first Trump administration, LeCerte held various positions at the US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, including acting general counsel, acting managing director, and senior advisor and executive counsel.
He also is listed as a contributor to the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 report, which outlines steps Republicans can take to shrink the federal government.