CISA's Role in Election Security: Uncertainty and Concerns for the 2026 Midterms
The federal government's cybersecurity agency, known as CISA, has been instrumental in providing guidance and support to state and local election officials since its establishment in 2018. However, recent shifts in priorities, staffing reductions, and budget cuts have raised concerns about the agency's future engagement in safeguarding election systems, particularly leading up to the 2026 midterms.
State officials, such as Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, have expressed uncertainty about relying on CISA for critical election services in the upcoming election year. The National Association of Secretaries of State has urged Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to preserve CISA's core election functions, but a response is still pending.
CISA's role in protecting critical infrastructure, including election systems, has been impacted by staffing reductions and budget cuts under the Trump administration. The agency's review of election-related work and the absence of an official director have further raised concerns about its ability to support upcoming elections.
Despite assurances from CISA officials about their readiness to protect election infrastructure, some states have reported a lack of support from the agency during recent elections. California, for example, noted significant reductions in CISA's capacity to support elections, leaving election officials without the federal partnership they had relied on in previous election cycles.
In response to CISA's diminished support, states like California and Pennsylvania have sought alternative partnerships and resources to ensure election security. While some local jurisdictions have managed to fill the gaps left by CISA's absence, the overall impact of the agency's reduced involvement in election security remains a concern for state and local officials.
As state and local election officials prepare for the 2026 midterms, the uncertainty surrounding CISA's future role in safeguarding election systems has prompted them to explore alternative solutions and partnerships. The absence of key services previously provided by CISA, such as tabletop exercises and threat intelligence, has led officials to seek other avenues to ensure the security and integrity of future elections.