Concerns Rise as US Cybersecurity Agency Reduces Election Support

Sun Nov 23 2025 17:37:00 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

State election officials express worries about the declining role of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency as crucial elections approach. The agency's reduced capacity raises questions about election security amidst increasing threats.

Since its establishment in 2018, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has played a key role in protecting U.S. election infrastructure. However, recent budget cuts and staffing reductions within the agency are raising concerns among state election officials about its ability to assist in upcoming elections. Officials are scrambling to fill potential gaps in security support as they prepare for the pivotal 2026 midterms.

Since its creation in 2018, the federal government's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has been instrumental in warning state and local election officials about potential threats, helping to secure polling places, and preparing responses to unexpected situations such as bomb threats and disinformation campaigns.

However, scrutiny arises as CISA's presence during recent state elections appears to be significantly diminished, raising alarms for the upcoming 2026 midterms when control of Congress will be at stake. Concerns stem from shifts in priorities during the Trump administration, staffing decreases, and cuts to the agency's budget, leading many election officials to question how actively CISA will engage in future 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, expresses Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, highlighting the unease among officials.

In a bid to maintain security, state election leaders have begun to search for alternatives as they brace for the 2026 elections. Minnesota officials, for example, are preparing contingency plans in case CISA's services are unavailable, voicing concern over potential vulnerabilities in election infrastructure.

The agency's leadership has transformed since the beginning of President Trump's second term in January, with substantial layoffs affecting approximately 1,000 employees. Critical initiatives have faced cuts, including a $10 million reduction linked to election security support. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding CISA's strategic role continues to be troubling for many election officials targeting preparedness for upcoming elections.

Meanwhile, California's election offices reported minimal assistance from CISA during a recent special election, forcing local agencies to step in to ensure election security. Other states, like Pennsylvania and Mississippi, reported limited or no engagement with CISA for their recent elections, indicating a potential nationwide trend of reliance on local resources amidst federal absence.

As elections grow closer and the stakes rise for the 2026 midterms, state officials like Simon emphasize the need for clarity from CISA on its capabilities and plans, as they prepare to face potential challenges with uncertain federal support.