Connecticut Democrats Sound Alarm on Election Security and Voter Suppression Ahead of 2026 Midterms

As Americans grapple with soaring costs of living, Connecticut Democrats are issuing a stark warning: the survival of democracy itself is at risk. At a shadow hearing convened in New Haven, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro and fellow Democrats emphasized that while affordability remains a top concern, threats to election integrity demand urgent attention.

The hearing, held at Gateway Community College and led by DeLauro alongside Reps. Jim Himes and Joe Morelle, brought together election experts, including current and former secretaries of state and voting rights advocates. Their message was clear—Republican-led efforts to overhaul voting laws combined with recent Supreme Court decisions weakening the Voting Rights Act could disenfranchise millions, particularly voters of color, in the 2026 midterms.

A key focus was the Trump administration’s proposed budget cuts to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which has been critical in protecting elections from foreign interference. Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas detailed how her office relied on CISA’s funding for security briefings and workforce training during the 2024 elections. She warned that slashed resources threaten the ability of states to safeguard upcoming elections.

“This is not unique to Connecticut. This is the nation,” Thomas said, underscoring fears about the 2026 election’s security. Rep. Himes echoed this concern, criticizing the administration for dismantling institutions designed to combat foreign and domestic election interference.

Meanwhile, the SAVE America Act, a Republican priority backed by Trump, looms as a legislative threat. The bill would impose stringent documentation requirements for voter registration and restrict mail-in voting, measures critics say would disproportionately impact marginalized communities. Although stalled in the Senate, its persistence signals ongoing efforts to restrict voting access.

DeLauro, as the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, pledged to fight for funding to support election security and voter outreach in the next fiscal year. “We need funding to make sure that states can get messaging out to assure American voters that polls are safe and they can show up,” Thomas stressed.

This shadow hearing serves as a crucial reminder: threats to democracy are not distant fears but present dangers. As Republicans push restrictive voting laws and federal support for election security wanes, the battle to protect the right to vote and the integrity of elections intensifies. The stakes could not be higher for the 2026 midterms and beyond.