Russia and China are targeting congressional races across the United States as part of their efforts to interfere with American democracy in this election year. Intelligence officials issued a warning on Monday about these influence operations. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence said that both countries have focused on races where they believe they have a national security interest at stake.
Cuba is also likely trying to boost candidates that it believes would support its interests in America. The warning highlights the threat that online disinformation poses not just in the presidential election, but also in state and local contests. Control of Congress could be decided by just a handful of races this year.
Foreign adversaries understand the American political system well enough to know that this year’s close elections create good conditions for spreading disinformation. They have targeted some races down the ballot, including statewide offices and state legislative campaigns. Moscow’s goal is to erode support for congressional candidates who favor assisting Ukraine in its war with Russia.
Foreign interference in congressional races
China has targeted candidates from both parties based on their stance on issues important to Beijing, such as support for Taiwan. Officials said they have seen Chinese disinformation agencies focusing on candidates in “tens” of races.
Cuba has tried to help candidates in past elections that it views as supportive of policies favorable to Havana, such as reduced economic sanctions. Influence operations can include false or exaggerated claims and propaganda designed to mislead voters about specific candidates, issues, or races. They can also include social media posts or other digital content that seeks to suppress the vote through intimidation or by giving voters false information about election procedures.
When foreign governments target a specific candidate, office, or organization with election information, intelligence officials often give them what’s called a defensive briefing. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence won’t disclose how many defensive briefings they have delivered so far this election cycle, but they say the number is three times higher than the previous cycle. In the presidential race, intelligence officials have concluded that Russia is currently supporting former President Trump, who has criticized Ukraine while praising Russian President Vladimir Putin.
They have assessed that China is taking a neutral stance in the race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, a Democrat. Iran opposes Trump’s reelection, seeing him as more likely to increase tensions between Washington and Tehran.
- NYTimes.”Russia, China and Iran Intend to Stoke False Election Claims, Officials Warn”.
- NBCNews.”Foreign adversaries will try to cast doubt on election results after Nov. 5, U.S. intel officials say”.
- APNews.”Intelligence officials say US adversaries are targeting congressional races with disinformation”.