ESA Puts Protecting State Candidates in the Spotlight

Being in the public spotlight, elected public officials are facing a new reality of rising security threats. They find strangers outside their homes. Online threats are at an all-time high.

There have been tragic encounters that have made national and worldwide headlines, but the ones not making headlines – once rare occurrences – are becoming the “new normal” for elected officials and candidates. They are regularly followed to their cars and homes, receive verbal threats, and in some cases, deal with physical acts of violence.

Then these candidates and elected officials face another reality: There is no framework in place to prevent these encounters and keep officials and their families safe.

First-time candidates – many of whom are juggling full-time jobs, families, and their campaigns – are often surprised to learn that they do not receive any security support or coverage for security-related expenses. Pulling personal resources to increase safety for themselves and their families is unrealistic, especially during a time when they are completely exposed to the public.

To address this, the Electronic Security Association has developed the SECURE (Safeguarding Election Candidates Using Reasonable Expenditures) Act to close the security protection gap that exists between public officials and the candidates running for office, as well as to clear up confusion surrounding the use of campaign funds for basic safety needs.

What the SECURE Act Entails

Today’s political environment makes such legislation necessary. In the past few years, the security industry has seen an increase in demand for security services and protection for individuals who have never needed these types of services.

The SECURE Act outlines facility security measures for homes and offices, such as alarm systems, monitoring, licensed installation, and security assessments – all to protect candidates and their families in their homes during a vulnerable period.

The bill does not rely on taxpayer dollars. It uses the candidates’ own campaign funds for security measures. The purpose is to introduce and update outdated state laws so they better reflect today’s security challenges.

The Act also provides a clear framework and guidance on what is and is not acceptable when using campaign funds for security. It helps direct candidates and public officials to licensed security professionals, who can provide reliable systems and proper installation. It highlights the important roles trained security professionals play, especially during a time when safety concerns are rising.

ESA is working with partners in roughly 19 states (and growing) to get SECURE Act legislation introduced in 2026 sessions. This measure is a practical way to address the risks associated with running for office without relying on new taxes or any state funded programs. Campaign funds already serve as the primary resource for many basic needs, and giving candidates the legal clarity to use those funds for personal safety makes sense.

Impact on the Future of Public Office

Many lawmakers have expressed surprise at how unprotected they truly are. Conversations that begin as simple policy briefings often turn into candid discussions about the kinds of threats candidates are quietly managing on their own.

These experiences rarely gain general attention, as many candidates fear that it will shine a spotlight on their lack of security measures in place and/or gain unwanted attention.

As ESA-led conversations about this legislation happen around the country, it has prompted discussions on the future of public service. The benefits of the SECURE Act are clear and far-reaching: When people feel safe enough to run for office in their communities, we will begin to get a more diverse range of representation and civic engagement.

Get Involved

Bipartisan support for this bill illustrates that safety is not a political issue. Threats don’t discriminate against political affiliation. As more states move toward introduction and passage, the SECURE Act can become a practical and balanced national model for the modernization of candidate safety laws.

As this bill directly impacts the security integrators who recommend, install, and manitain these systems, it is essential to get their input as versions of the SECURE Act are passed throughout the country. If you are interested in getting involved, please reach out to me at the address in my bio.