Election Security Gaps as CISA Rethinks Role

Mon Nov 24 2025 00:15:00 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Concerns rise among election officials as federal cybersecurity agency CISA scales back support ahead of critical midterm elections in 2026.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has been pivotal since its establishment in 2018 in safeguarding elections from foreign threats. However, staffing cuts and budget constraints have led to reduced support, leaving state and local election officials scrambling for alternatives. With the major 2026 elections approaching, concerns are growing regarding CISA's involvement and effectiveness.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Since its inception in 2018, the federal government's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has been crucial in alerting election officials about foreign threats, guiding protection against attacks, and devising response strategies for disruptions like bomb threats or misinformation campaigns.

However, during recent elections in multiple states, CISA's presence was minimal, raising concerns about its future support leading into the critical 2026 midterms. Changes in the Trump administration's budget allocations and staffing levels have left many election officials worried about CISA's engagement as Congress's control hangs in the balance.

We do not have a sense of whether we can rely on CISA for these services as we approach a big election year in 2026, said Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon. He expressed concerns over the uncertainty surrounding CISA's capabilities.

CISA, formed to aid in the protection of the nation’s infrastructure, has undergone significant transformation recently, losing about 1,000 employees and seeing important cybersecurity initiatives cut by $10 million. The agency is reportedly still without an official director, further hampering its efforts.

With essential personnel dedicated to election security being removed, state officials are actively searching for alternative support systems as they begin preparing for future elections. Simon emphasized the need for clarity about CISA's plans to assist or provide necessary services moving forward.

In California, for instance, officials noted a significant drop in support from CISA, diminishing the federal partnership that has been relied upon in previous election cycles. Some states, like Mississippi and Pennsylvania, also confirmed a lack of coordination with CISA during their recent elections, pushing them to rely on local cybersecurity experts and police to fill the gaps.

As concerns loom over CISA's reduced role, election officials must now seek ways to ensure election integrity and security amidst rising threats and uncertainties.