Federal Campaigns Boost Security Spending Fivefold Amid Rising Threats

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:23:00 +0200

Federal campaign and political action committee spending on security during the 2024 election cycle exceeded five times the amount from the 2016 cycle, according to a report by the Security Project at the nonpartisan Public Service Alliance. This surge reflects escalating violent threats against public servants and their families at all government levels. Author Justin Sherman highlights the financial strain on candidates, emphasizing that no one should choose between public service and family safety. A Minnesota Star Tribune investigation showed threats against state capitol workers jumping from 18 in 2024 to 92 in 2025, with 45 more in early 2026. Public Service Alliance data indicated a 3,700 percent rise in family threats from 2015 to 2025, while a 2025 Pew survey confirmed widespread agreement on increasing politically motivated violence. The report analyzed Federal Election Commission data over 10 years, noting major costs for event security but explosive growth in digital securi