FBI Reaches Out to Election Officials Ahead of Critical 2026 Midterm Elections
Coordinated Federal Effort to Support Election Security
The FBI has extended an invitation to election officials across the United States for an important conference call scheduled for later this month, focusing on preparations and security measures for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. According to a letter obtained and reviewed by ABC News, this outreach represents a coordinated effort among multiple federal agencies to ensure election integrity and provide necessary resources to state and local election administrators. The letter, which was distributed earlier this week to most election officials throughout the country, indicates that the briefing will not be conducted by the FBI alone but will include representatives from several key federal agencies including the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Election Assistance Commission. This multi-agency approach demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to taking a comprehensive view of election security, bringing together various perspectives and areas of expertise to support state and local officials who are on the front lines of administering elections.
Details of the Outreach and Participating Agencies
The letter inviting election officials to participate in the February 25th briefing was signed by Kellie Hardiman, who identified herself as an “FBI Election Executive.” In her message to election officials, Hardiman wrote warmly and collaboratively: “To prepare for the 2026 US midterm elections, your election partners at the FBI, DOJ, DHS, USPIS, and the EAC would like to invite you to a call where we can discuss our preparations for the cycle, as well as updates and resources we can provide to you and your staff… We look forward to speaking with you in support of the 2026 midterm elections.” The tone of the letter emphasizes partnership and support rather than oversight or enforcement, positioning the federal agencies as resources available to help state and local officials successfully conduct the elections. Several state offices have confirmed receiving the invitation, including Arizona’s secretary of state and Utah’s lieutenant governor’s office, which oversees elections in that state. The widespread distribution of this letter indicates that nearly all election jurisdictions across the country have been included in this outreach effort, underscoring the federal government’s desire to maintain open lines of communication with election administrators at all levels.
Understanding the FBI Election Executive Role
In response to questions about the “FBI Election Executive” title used in the letter, an FBI official provided context to ABC News, explaining that this is not a newly created position but rather a continuation of established practices within the agency. According to the official, the FBI has previously designated specific executives to serve as primary points of contact for election officials on matters related to elections. These designated individuals speak on behalf of the FBI in their capacity as election liaisons and work to maintain ongoing relationships with state and local election administrators. This approach allows election officials to have a consistent contact person within the FBI who understands their unique challenges and concerns, rather than having to navigate the broader FBI bureaucracy when issues arise. The FBI official emphasized that conducting outreach to election officials is not a new practice but something the agency has done in previous election cycles. The bureau has also participated in federal briefings alongside other agencies in past elections, making this upcoming call part of an established pattern of federal support for election security rather than an unprecedented intervention.
The Current Political and Security Context
While federal coordination with election officials is routine and has occurred in previous cycles, this particular outreach is taking place against a complex and somewhat contentious backdrop. President Donald Trump has continued to make false claims about voter fraud and election integrity, creating an environment where discussions about election security carry heightened political sensitivity. These ongoing claims have contributed to increased scrutiny of election processes and raised concerns among some election officials about political interference in election administration. Additionally, the FBI recently conducted a raid of an elections office in Fulton County, Georgia, an action that has drawn significant attention and raised questions about the relationship between federal law enforcement and local election administration. This raid occurred under court order, with FBI Evidence Response Team members photographed loading 2020 election ballots as part of the operation at the Fulton County Department of Registration and Elections Hub and Operation Center in Union City, Georgia. The juxtaposition of this enforcement action with the collaborative tone of the letter inviting officials to a briefing highlights the dual role federal agencies play in both supporting and, when necessary, investigating election processes.
High Stakes for the 2026 Midterms
The upcoming 2026 midterm elections carry particular significance because control of the House of Representatives is at stake. Republicans currently hold only a slim majority in the chamber, meaning that relatively small shifts in voter preferences or turnout could result in a change of power. This narrow margin elevates the importance of every aspect of election administration, from voter registration to ballot counting to certification of results. Any problems with election security, whether from foreign interference, domestic threats, or administrative errors, could potentially affect close races that determine which party controls the House. This high-stakes environment makes the FBI’s outreach to election officials particularly timely and important, as it provides an opportunity for state and local administrators to understand what federal resources are available to them and what threats they should be prepared to address. The collaboration between federal and state officials can help ensure that elections are conducted smoothly and that the results are accepted as legitimate by the public, regardless of which party ultimately prevails.
Looking Ahead: Federal-State Partnership in Election Security
The scheduled February 25th briefing represents an important opportunity for dialogue between federal agencies and the state and local officials who actually administer elections. By bringing together representatives from the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Election Assistance Commission, the federal government is signaling that election security requires a coordinated, multi-faceted approach. Each of these agencies brings different capabilities and perspectives: the FBI offers law enforcement and counterintelligence expertise, DHS provides cybersecurity resources and threat intelligence, DOJ can address legal issues and voting rights concerns, the Postal Inspection Service deals with mail-in ballot security, and the Election Assistance Commission offers technical guidance and best practices. For election officials who are preparing for what promises to be a closely watched and highly consequential election cycle, this briefing provides an opportunity to ask questions, understand available resources, and build relationships with federal partners who can assist them if problems arise. As the nation prepares for the 2026 midterms, the partnership between federal agencies and state and local election administrators will be crucial in ensuring that elections are secure, accessible, and trusted by the American people, regardless of the political climate or the ultimate outcome at the ballot box.
