On November 12, 2026, President Donald Trump nominated Kristin N. Johnson and Steven Levine to serve as commissioners of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Johnson was nominated for the seat previously held by Caroline Crenshaw, with a term expiring June 5, 2029. Levine was nominated for the seat previously held by Hester Peirce, with a term expiring June 5, 2030. Both nominations require Senate confirmation.
The 2026 SEC commissioner nominations are relevant to public companies and businesses preparing to raise capital or go public because commissioners vote on securities rules and enforcement matters. If confirmed, Johnson and Levine would broaden the Commission’s membership while leaving Republicans in the majority. Their appointments could influence future policy, but the nominations do not change existing securities rules.
Kristin Johnson SEC Nomination and Regulatory Background
Johnson, a Democrat, is a former commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Her CFTC service ended September 3, 2025. In her departure statement, she highlighted work involving cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, market structure and customer protection, including issues relevant to emerging digital asset markets.
That experience could inform her consideration of technology and investor protection issues at the SEC. Her confirmation testimony and future SEC statements would provide a more specific basis for assessing her positions on securities regulation.
Steven Levine SEC Nomination and Regulatory Background
Levine, a Republican, has worked within both the SEC and the White House. The SEC announced his appointment as deputy chief of staff to then Acting Chairman Mark Uyeda in February 2025. He has also served as general counsel and a senior adviser at the White House Council of Economic Advisers.
See SEC appointment announcement
His experience gives him familiarity with the SEC’s work and administration economic policy. During Senate consideration, questions about his approach to disclosure requirements, capital formation and digital assets could help clarify how he would apply that experience as a commissioner.
How the SEC Commissioner Nominations Would Change the Commission
The SEC is structured as a five-member commission, with no more than three commissioners belonging to the same political party. Its current roster lists Chairman Paul Atkins and Commissioner Mark Uyeda. Confirming both nominees would bring the Commission to four members and leave one vacancy.
With Levine joining Atkins and Uyeda as Republicans and Johnson serving as a Democrat, the resulting membership would be three Republicans and one Democrat. Johnson would add a Democratic voice to deliberations and could issue public dissents, but her appointment would not give Democrats control of the Commission.
See Reuters nomination coverage
What the SEC Nominations Mean for Public Companies and IPOs
The confirmation process may offer insight into the nominees’ approaches to capital formation, public company disclosure and enforcement. For companies planning an IPO or another registered transaction, their statements about disclosure requirements and access to public markets will be particularly relevant. Companies with digital asset activities should also follow their views on the respective responsibilities of the SEC and CFTC.
The next step for Johnson and Levine is Senate consideration. Until confirmation and subsequent Commission action, companies should distinguish potential policy changes from changes that have taken legal effect.
About the Author
Brenda Hamilton is a securities attorney with Hamilton & Associates Law Group, P.A.
Hamilton & Associates Law Group, P.A. represents companies in SEC reporting, private placements, going public transactions and exchange listings.
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