Washington —Democratic election officials are preparing for potential federal government intrusion in the midterms, as President Donald Trump’s appointees escalate their efforts to find evidence for his long-debunked election fraud claims. The Trump administration has pushed to alter election ground rules ahead of the midterms, including with an executive order last year that has been partially blocked in court. The erosion of bipartisanship has cut both ways among the state election community. Republican West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner told CNN he has “no fear” of federal interference in the 2026 elections. His brother, former West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner, joined the Trump administration last year as a senior Justice Department official.

Source: CNN January 31, 2026 14:43 UTC