Politicians Boost Security Budgets Amid Rising Target Threats

Surge in Political Security Spending Ahead of 2024 Election Cycle

A recent report highlights a significant increase in security spending by federal campaigns and political action committees during the 2024 election cycle, surpassing expenditures before the 2016 election by more than fivefold. This surge, detailed in a comprehensive analysis by the Security Project of the nonpartisan Public Service Alliance, underscores the rising threats faced by public officials and their families, reflected in escalating incidents of violence and intimidation directed at these individuals.

According to Justin Sherman, interim vice president of the Security Project and the report’s author, the growing financial burden associated with ensuring the safety of candidates is alarming. He emphasizes that no one should have to consider personal safety against their commitment to public service. The report cites troubling statistics, such as the fourfold increase in reported threats against public officials, echoing concerns about safety at all levels of government.

For example, an investigative piece from the Minnesota Star Tribune noted a stark rise in threats against State Capitol staff, escalating from 18 incidents in 2024 to 92 incidents in 2025, and 45 threats recorded in the early months of 2026. Additional research indicates a staggering 3,700 percent increase in threats against public servants’ families from 2015 to 2025. A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center revealed that a vast majority of Americans, regardless of political affiliation, recognize the increase in politically motivated violence nationwide.

The Public Service Alliance’s report analyzed spending data from the Federal Election Commission over the past decade. It found that while a significant portion of security costs stems from safeguarding campaign events, investments in digital security measures—such as data deletion and online threat monitoring—have dramatically escalated. Campaigns allocated approximately $900,000 for security in the current election cycle compared to around $184,000 in the 2015-2016 cycle, marking a nearly 400 percent rise.

Additionally, the report indicates that expenses for securing candidates’ residences have also doubled, rising from roughly $130,000 in the 2017-2018 cycle to over $300,000 during the current election cycle. Sherman noted limitations in the FEC data may hinder the understanding of whether security expenditures are predominantly proactive or reactive, as campaign financial disclosures require only brief descriptions of purchases.

On a legislative level, states are now exploring reforms that would enable political candidates to utilize campaign funds for securing their offices, homes, and personal information during campaigns. Currently, only a limited number of states clarify that candidates can allocate funds for security purposes, as stated by Helen Brewer, a senior policy specialist at the National Conference of State Legislatures. Brewer commented on the increasing incidents and threats affecting officials across the political spectrum.

Real-world implications are evident, as illustrated by Utah State Senator Mike McKell, who, beyond his legislative duties, faces challenges including vandalism in his law office and threats against colleagues. McKell recently facilitated the passage of legislation explicitly permitting candidates in Utah to allocate campaign resources for security systems protecting their residences and offices, reinforcing a rising standard of protection among public officials.

The escalating trend of violence and threats against political actors indicates a worrying pattern that demands heightened awareness and preventive measures. As campaigns prepare for the high-stakes political environment of 2024, understanding the associated risks and securing adequate resources will be vital for the safety of candidates and public servants alike. The MITRE ATT&CK framework highlights tactics such as initial access, persistence, and privilege escalation that could underlie the threats faced by these officials, suggesting a need for comprehensive security strategies to mitigate risks effectively.

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