Sean Plankey, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the nation’s civilian cyber defense agency, has withdrawn from consideration after more than a year of delays in the Senate confirmation process.

Plankey, who had been nominated to head the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), formally requested the removal of his nomination in a letter addressed to Homeland Security leadership and the White House. In the letter, he cited the prolonged uncertainty surrounding the confirmation process and the impact on his family.

“After thirteen months since my initial nomination, it has become clear the Senate will not confirm me,” Plankey wrote, adding that his family needed greater stability.

His nomination had stalled in the Senate following opposition from Rick Scott, who placed a hold on the confirmation over concerns tied to a Coast Guard shipbuilding contract. Plankey, a former Coast Guard officer, had advanced out of the Senate Homeland Security Committee but never received a full floor vote.

CISA plays a central role in protecting civilian federal networks and critical infrastructure from cyber threats, including foreign intrusions and attacks targeting election systems and other sensitive operations.

Plankey previously served in cybersecurity roles during Trump’s first term, including positions at the National Security Council and the Department of Energy. While awaiting confirmation, he worked as an adviser within the Department of Homeland Security on Coast Guard-related matters.

The agency itself has been at the center of political debate in recent years, particularly over its role in election security. Former CISA director Christopher Krebs was dismissed during Trump’s first term after publicly affirming the integrity of the 2020 election.

With Plankey stepping aside, acting leadership is expected to continue at the agency while the administration prepares to nominate a new candidate. The next nominee will face the same Senate confirmation process required for the position.