MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Since its creation in 2018, the federal government's cybersecurity agency, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), has played a pivotal role in safeguarding U.S. elections against potential threats, including those posed by foreign governments. However, its involvement in state elections this month has been notably diminished, raising concerns about the agency's future role as the nation gears up for the high-stakes 2026 midterm elections.
Changes in administration priorities, drastic staffing reductions, and budget cuts under the Trump administration have led election officials to speculate on the level of assistance they can rely on from CISA next year. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon expressed this uncertainty, stating, 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.
The agency, which was formed to protect critical infrastructure—including election systems—has reportedly seen a significant decrease in workforce, with around 1,000 employees having lost their jobs recently. Moreover, funding for vital cybersecurity initiatives aimed at aiding state and local election officials has been cut, exacerbating concerns over election integrity.
As states proceeded with recent elections, many officials have commented on the lack of support from CISA. For instance, California's election officials pointed out that while CISA had historically provided crucial assistance, their recent participation in the election process was minimal, leaving states to rely heavily on their internal resources.
In a proactive response, some officials are beginning to explore alternatives to maintain election security without CISA's traditional support. Simon indicated that many are starting to assume that some CISA services would be unavailable and are searching for ways to fill that gap. As the 2026 election cycle approaches, state and local election officials are keenly aware of the need to ensure voter confidence and system integrity amid these growing challenges.
