CISA Budget Cuts Spark Widespread Concerns for 2026 Midterm Election Security

Washington D.C. – Significant budget cuts and staffing reductions at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the federal agency primarily tasked with securing U.S. elections, are raising alarms among state election officials and experts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The changes, implemented under the current administration, have led to a diminished federal presence in election security support, prompting states to seek alternative solutions.

"Cuts to agency tasked with securing elections sparks concerns ahead of 2026 midterms," stated The Post Millennial in a recent tweet, highlighting the growing apprehension. The agency, established in 2018, has historically provided critical services including threat warnings, physical security guidance, and incident response planning for state and local election offices.

Public records indicate that approximately 1,000 CISA employees have been laid off in recent years. In March, the administration reportedly cut $10 million from two key cybersecurity initiatives, one of which was specifically dedicated to assisting state and local election officials. This reduction followed CISA's announcement of a review of its election-related work, leading to over a dozen election-focused staffers being placed on administrative leave.

State election officials are expressing serious concerns about the federal government's reduced role. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, a Democrat, noted, "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 National Association of Secretaries of State had previously sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, whose department oversees CISA, urging the preservation of the agency's core election functions.

California's top election security agencies reported that CISA, which played a "critical role" since 2018, provided little or no assistance for the state's recent special election. The California Secretary of State’s office stated, "The agency has experienced major reductions in staffing, funding, and mission focus — including the elimination of personnel dedicated specifically to election security and foreign influence mitigation." This shift has forced states to bolster their own resources and partnerships to fill the void.

CISA officials have stated that the agency remains focused on securing critical infrastructure and strengthening cyber resilience, with its experts ready to provide election guidance if requested. However, the changes have led to the disbandment of an FBI task force on foreign influence operations targeting U.S. elections, and CISA remains without a confirmed director, with a nomination stalled in the Senate.