State Officials Warn of CISA Election Security Void

State and local election officials report a significant decline in federal support from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) as they prepare for the 2026 midterm elections. Since the start of President Donald Trump's second term in January, CISA has lost approximately 1,000 employees and seen $10 million cut from cybersecurity initiatives. The agency also placed several election-focused staffers on administrative leave.

Officials in California, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania reported that CISA was largely absent or failed to coordinate during the November 2025 elections. In response, some states have begun collaborating with state police and local experts to secure their infrastructure. Simultaneously, the Federal Bureau of Investigations disbanded a task force previously dedicated to monitoring foreign influence operations targeting U.S. elections.

CISA officials maintain the agency remains "laser-focused" on critical infrastructure and ready to provide guidance. However, the agency currently lacks a permanent director as the Senate nomination of Sean Plankey has stalled. While Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem previously stated that services would remain available, the National Association of Secretaries of State continues to seek clarity on CISA's future role. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon warned that the diminished federal partnership is forcing states to seek alternative security measures for upcoming cycles.