Intelligence officials have issued a warning that foreign governments are actively targeting House and Senate races across the United States as part of their efforts to interfere with American democracy during this election year. Both Russia and China have been identified as engaging in influence operations aimed at either supporting or undermining candidates in specific congressional races. These countries are focusing on races where they perceive a national security interest at stake, although the exact number of affected races was not disclosed.
In addition to Russia and China, smaller nations such as Cuba are also believed to be conducting their own influence operations. The report on foreign election threats released on Monday highlighted Cuba's efforts to boost candidates aligned with the Cuban government's interests in the United States.
The warning from intelligence officials comes at a crucial time as the battle for control of the House and Senate intensifies, with the outcome potentially hinging on just a few key races. While much attention has been on foreign interference in the presidential race, the officials emphasized the significant threat posed by online disinformation in state and local contests.
According to the officials, leaders in Russia and China are well-versed in the American political system and have recognized the opportunities presented by closely contested elections for the dissemination of disinformation. Apart from congressional races, foreign adversaries have also targeted statewide offices, state legislative campaigns, and even races further down the ballot.
Moscow's objective appears to be undermining support for congressional candidates who advocate for assisting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. On the other hand, China has targeted candidates from both parties based on their positions on issues crucial to Beijing, such as support for Taiwan.
Disinformation tactics employed by foreign adversaries include spreading false or exaggerated claims, propaganda, and social media content aimed at misleading voters or suppressing the vote through intimidation. While state and local authorities have bolstered election security measures, the threat of influence operations and disinformation remains a critical concern for the upcoming election.
Despite denials from governments in Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba regarding interference in the U.S. election, intelligence officials have observed an increase in disinformation campaigns designed to sway the election outcome. Defensive briefings have been provided to entities targeted by foreign election interference, with the number of briefings delivered this cycle reportedly three times higher than in previous cycles.
In the presidential race, intelligence assessments indicate that Russia supports former President Trump, while China has taken a neutral stance between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Iran, on the other hand, opposes Trump's reelection due to his administration's policies towards Iran. While no indications of Iranian disinformation targeting down-ballot races have been reported so far in this election cycle, the threat of foreign interference remains a significant concern for the integrity of the electoral process.
