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Senate committee approves several gubernatorial nominees and unanimously confirms Joshua Kellum to FWC after public opposition
Summary
The committee approved multiple gubernatorial appointments by omnibus motion and unanimously confirmed Joshua Kellum to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission following sworn public testimony urging rejection over industry ties and use of foundation funds.
The Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections considered gubernatorial nominations and confirmed a Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) nominee in a public session on Nov. 1, 2025.
Chair Gates explained that nominations listed as items 4 through 7 on the agenda would be considered together unless a member requested separate consideration. Vice Chair Bernard moved to approve the grouped nominations; Senator Bradley seconded the motion and the chair called the roll. After affirmative responses, Chair Gates announced the nominees were approved by committee vote.
The committee then took up the FWC nominee Joshua Kellum. The committee invited public testimony; Robin Blevins was sworn and testified against Kellum's appointment. "I am here to urge you guys to vote no towards Joshua Kellum's appointment today," Blevins said. She cited her background in environmental chemistry and fisheries and expressed concern that, she said, the current and proposed commission membership lacks scientific expertise and that Kellum's ties to agriculture, mining and development and his role with a foundation that directed money to an amendment campaign raised ethical questions.
Committee members debated briefly. Senator Bradley moved to approve Kellum's nomination and Vice Chair Bernard seconded. The clerk conducted a roll call and Chair Gates announced the nomination had been approved unanimously.
Why it matters: Committee approval advances gubernatorial nominees to the full Senate (if required by process) or confirms them depending on statutory procedure; public testimony on Joshua Kellum highlighted concerns about industry ties and the composition of the FWC.
Votes at a glance: - Omnibus approval (items 4–7): Motion to approve moved by Vice Chair Bernard; seconded by Senator Bradley; outcome: approved by committee vote (individual roll-call responses recorded in the hearing record). - Joshua Kellum (Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission): Motion to confirm moved by Senator Bradley; seconded by Vice Chair Bernard; outcome: confirmed unanimously by committee.
The committee adjourned further appointment business after the confirmations.
