Surge in Political Campaign Security Spending Ahead of 2024 Election

Federal campaign and political action committee spending on security for the 2024 election cycle has surged to over five times the amount spent during the 2016 election, according to a report by the Security Project at the nonpartisan Public Service Alliance. This increase in expenditure is attributed to a notable rise in violent threats against public servants and their families across all levels of government. Justin Sherman, interim vice president of the Security Project and author of the report, expressed concern over the financial burden this places on candidates, stating, “No candidate, regardless of party, regardless of where in the country they're running, should have to weigh serving in public office against threats to them or their families.”

The report highlights alarming statistics regarding threats against public officials. An investigation by the Minnesota Star Tribune revealed that threats against Minnesota State Capitol workers escalated from 18 incidents in 2024 to 92 in 2025, with 45 incidents reported in just the first two months of 2026. Furthermore, research from the Public Service Alliance indicates that threats against public servants' families increased by 3,700 percent between 2015 and 2025. A 2025 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found a significant consensus among Americans, across the political spectrum, that politically motivated violence is on the rise.

The Public Service Alliance report analyzed spending data from the Federal Election Commission over the past decade. It revealed that while a substantial portion of the security costs is related to securing campaign events, there has been a dramatic increase in spending on digital security measures. Campaigns and committees allocated just over $900,000 for security in the 2023–2024 cycle, compared to approximately $184,000 in the 2015–2016 cycle, marking a nearly 400 percent increase.

Critics argue that the rising costs of security could deter potential candidates from running for office, particularly those from less affluent backgrounds. The financial implications of heightened security measures may disproportionately affect candidates who lack substantial campaign funding, raising concerns about the accessibility of public office.

In light of the findings, Justin Sherman emphasized the need for a political environment where candidates can focus on their campaigns without the looming threat of violence. The report serves as a call to action for both political parties and the public to address the underlying issues contributing to this alarming trend.

As the 2024 election approaches, the implications of increased security spending will likely continue to be a topic of discussion among political analysts and candidates alike. The ongoing rise in threats against public officials may prompt further investigations and discussions on how to ensure the safety of those serving in public office while maintaining an open democratic process.