Biden administration appoints GOP election chief to key security role
- Yacob Reyes, author of Axios Tampa Bay
Sorted vote-by-mail ballots at the King County elections office in Renton, Wash., on Nov. 3, 2020. Photo: Jason Redmond/AFP via Getty Images
Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman was appointed on Tuesday to lead election security for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the agency announced.
Why it matters: Wyman — who is the sole elected Republican state official and currently serving her third term — challenged former President Trump's claims of election fraud.
- CISA operates within the Department of Homeland Security.
- Wyman's resignation will be effective on Nov. 19. A temporary successor will be appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee.
What they're saying: "I am honored to be able to share nearly three decades of experience and expertise to support CISA's efforts to safeguard our election systems from cyber-attacks," Wyman said in a statement.
- "I remain committed to protecting the integrity of our elections and working closely with local and state elections officials nationwide to bolster this foundational pillar of our democracy," she added.
- "Kim's deep knowledge of state and county government will strengthen our partnerships with state and local officials," Jen Easterly, director of CISA, said.
Go deeper: Inside Washington state's all-mail elections