Tom Wheeler will step down as chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) if it “ensures” that the Senate confirms Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel for another term, an FCC official confirmed to The Hill on Thursday.

Republicans and Democrats are working toward a deal that would confirm the Democratic commissioner, who has been in limbo for the past year. But Republicans want Wheeler to step down from the commission so that Democrats will no longer have the majority on the FCC.

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The panel currently has three Democrats and two Republicans. Republicans want there to be space for Donald Trump Donald John TrumpTrump says he doesn't think he could've done more to stop virus spread Conservative activist Lauren Witzke wins GOP Senate primary in Delaware Trump defends claim coronavirus will disappear, citing 'herd mentality' MORE to appointment another GOP member when he becomes president.

Party leadership has not confirmed that it has reached a deal on Rosenworcel’s confirmation. However, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid Harry Mason ReidBottom line Filibuster fight looms if Democrats retake Senate Biden unites Democrats — for now MORE (D-Nev.) told Politico earlier in the week that a deal was being worked out. Senate Commerce Chairman John Thune John Randolph ThuneGOP ramps up attacks on Democrats over talk of nixing filibuster On The Money: Pelosi says House will stay in session until stimulus deal is reached | GOP short of votes on Trump's controversial Fed pick | WTO rules Trump tariffs on Chinese goods illegal GOP short of votes on Trump's controversial Fed pick MORE (R-S.D.) expressed hope to reporters that an agreement would be reached.

Time is running out for lawmakers to reach a deal, as senators could wrap up their work as early as Friday. If Rosenworcel isn't confirmed before the Senate adjourns, she will not return as a commissioner in 2017.

If Rosenworcel weren't confirmed, it would be possible for Wheeler — a Democrat — to remain on the panel until 2018, when his term expires. It’s almost certain that if he does, he will not be chairman, since Trump is expected to choose a Republican for the position.

A top Republican on the Commerce Committee suggested Thursday that Wheeler would like to move on from the agency.

“I think Mr. Wheeler would enjoy other pursuits,” Sen. Roger Wicker Roger Frederick WickerHillicon Valley: Election officials prepare for new Russian interference battle | 'Markeyverse' of online fans helps take down a Kennedy | GOP senators unveil bill to update tech liability protections GOP senators unveil new bill to update tech liability protections Poisoning of Putin opponent could test US-Moscow relationship MORE (R-Miss.) told The Hill when asked about the likelihood of Wheeler staying at the FCC.

On CNBC earlier this week, Trump FCC landing team member Jeffrey Eisenach said that the next acting FCC chairman will be one of the Republican commissioners already in place, Ajit Pai or Mike O’Rielly.

The details of Pai’s reconfirmation are still being worked out as well. Pai is expected to take over as chairman after Trump is inaugurated.

Rep. Marsha Blackburn Marsha BlackburnDemocrats smell blood with new DHS whistleblower complaint Hillicon Valley: Election officials prepare for new Russian interference battle | 'Markeyverse' of online fans helps take down a Kennedy | GOP senators unveil bill to update tech liability protections GOP senators unveil new bill to update tech liability protections MORE (R-Tenn.) told reporters on Thursday that Rosenworcel should not be confirmed so that Trump could have his pick.