On October 8, 2024, according to a report from Epoch Times, US intelligence officials warned on Monday, October 7th, that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Russian government have begun to interfere in the US congressional elections, attempting to influence the outcome for specific candidates. Officials stated that China and Russia are primarily targeting candidates related to their national security interests in order to sow distrust and division among American voters. This year’s congressional elections are particularly intense, with the control of the Senate and House of Representatives hanging on a few key races.
The report released by the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) on Monday indicated that in addition to attempting to interfere in the US presidential election, both China and Russia are engaged in activities to help or undermine specific congressional candidates, interfere in state and local elections, and intensify the dissemination of false information online. The CCP’s disinformation campaigns have meddled in “dozens” of elections involving candidates from both parties, including those who support Taiwan.
On the Russian side, efforts have been made to weaken support for congressional candidates who back Ukraine. Other smaller countries are also trying to influence the US elections, including Cuba. The report stated that Cuba is attempting to assist candidates who could improve US-Cuba relations in order to lessen economic sanctions.
Officials pointed out that the leaders of China and Russia are very familiar with the US political system, and they have taken note of the high tensions and fierce competition surrounding this year’s elections, which not only favor the spread of disinformation but also make it easier to influence voters’ perceptions.
In addition to cyber attacks on the election system, these interference actions include spreading false or provocative statements and election-related information through advertisements, social media posts, and other content to mislead voters about candidates, issues, or election information, as well as using intimidation to reduce voter turnout. Analysis suggests that these tactics are exacerbating divisions among American voters on controversial issues such as immigration, the economy, or the federal government’s response to disasters.
Furthermore, these foreign governments are also targeting elections at the local level, including state-level offices and legislative races.
Intelligence officials did not disclose the number of affected districts.
Last week, Jen Easterly, the Director of the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), told the Associated Press that she believes foreign governments cannot change the overall outcome of the US elections. States and local authorities have invested significant funds to ensure the security of the ballots.
Officials from Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba have all denied the allegations of attempting to interfere in US elections.