IC Workforce & Organization — 2026-09-25

CISA Pledges Election Security Support and Designates Ten Regional Advisers After Cuts Weakened State Ties

BLUFCISA's ten regional adviser designations will almost certainly persist through the midterms and by December 31, 2026, but without dedicated funding they risk restoring titles while leaving the severed state relationships unrepaired before November.

CISA on Thursday released its 2026 Election Infrastructure Security Plan, designating its 10 regional directors as election security advisers and describing a free information-sharing platform linking election officials, state intelligence hubs and federal partners, 40 days before the midterms 12. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the plan "will be implemented in full" 2. The document does not specify staffing levels, restore dedicated election adviser positions, or identify funding, and does not address how its commitments align with the administration's fiscal 2027 budget proposal, which would eliminate CISA's election security program 2. Michigan Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie told lawmakers in April that local election officials had lost contact with CISA personnel they previously relied on 2.

Analysis
CISA's designation of its 10 regional directors as election security advisers almost certainly will hold through the midterms and by December 31, 2026, since the appointments took effect with Thursday's plan and need no further congressional or budget action. Moderate confidence reflects reporting that confirms the designations but leaves staffing levels and funding for the advisers unaddressed. The plan does not reconcile the new structure with the fiscal 2027 budget proposal that would eliminate CISA's election security program, leaving the titles exposed to being emptied of resources even as they formally stand. Michigan's account of lost contact with CISA personnel suggests the designations restore an org chart without restoring the working relationships state officials need before November.

2 sources

US Cybersecurity Agency Releases Election Infrastructure Plan 40 Days Before Midterms - Associated Press (via US News & World Report)
CISA pledges election security support after cuts weakened ties with states - Nextgov/FCW