In brief
State officials are increasingly worried about the diminishing support from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) ahead of the critical 2026 midterms. Originally established to protect election infrastructure, CISA's priorities have shifted under the Trump administration, leading to layoffs and budget cuts that leave election officials scrambling for support. This shift has raised alarms about election security as states report reduced coordination and assistance from the agency, prompting many to seek alternative solutions for ensuring safe and secure elections.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — As the 2026 midterm elections approach, concerns are mounting over the diminishing capacity of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in ensuring election security.
Since its inception in 2018, CISA has acted as a critical ally for state and local election officials, providing warnings against foreign threats and guidance on protecting polling places. However, recent shifts in priorities under the Trump administration, alongside budget cuts and staff reductions, have left many election officials uneasy about CISA’s engagement in upcoming elections.
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, voicing concerns shared by several officials across the nation.
In February, the National Association of Secretaries of State sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, urging her to preserve the cybersecurity agency's core election functions, yet they have not received a response, which Simon described as timely and relevant even months later.
Despite its crucial role, CISA seems to have gone largely silent during recent elections, signaling potential challenges for the midterms. Sources from California have pointed to a significant reduction in CISA's capacity to support elections, noting major staff cuts, and a decreased focus on election security initiatives.
The California Secretary of State's office stated, CISA has experienced major reductions in staffing, funding, and mission focus, leaving the state to fend for itself.
In response to the agency's diminished role, states like Pennsylvania and Mississippi have reported relying more on local partnerships and less on CISA for election security. Simon noted that election officials might have to seek alternatives immediately if CISA’s services continue to falter.
Amidst these concerns, officials are commencing to explore other avenues for security coordination, especially as crucial aspects like intelligence briefings remain irreplaceable.
No clarity has been provided by CISA regarding its future role in the upcoming elections or the status of its strategic offerings. It remains to be seen how states will navigate their security needs without robust federal support.
