Former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley has voiced concerns over potential federal interference in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, highlighting what he describes as a growing threat to the integrity of America’s electoral process. In a detailed statement, Bradley emphasized the critical role of state and local election officials and warned that recent actions by the executive branch under President Donald Trump could undermine long-standing democratic norms.

Bradley pointed to statements and executive orders issued by President Trump that signal an intention to “take over” elections. He also referenced the Justice Department’s recent federal lawsuit aimed at preemptively blocking the certification of Alaska’s Senate election results should the Republican incumbent lose narrowly. According to Bradley, these moves conflict with constitutional provisions that allocate authority over election regulation to states and Congress, not the president.

The former senator noted that courts have thus far blocked several administration initiatives perceived as attempts to centralize election control. He credited bipartisan election officials for resisting these efforts, despite increasing pressures. “The jobs of election officials are tough and getting tougher,” Bradley said, underscoring the challenges they face amid intensified scrutiny, threats, and political attacks.

Bradley expressed particular concern over the Trump administration’s plan to deploy approximately 1,000 federal election monitors nationwide. While acknowledging the legal right of election monitors to observe polling places, he clarified that they should not participate in the administration of elections, including voter eligibility determinations. He warned state and local officials against complying with any orders perceived as illegal, noting that election laws across all 50 states prohibit obedience to unlawful federal directives and expose officials to potential civil or criminal liability if they do so.

Further highlighting the risks, Bradley referenced an interview where President Trump declined to rule out sending Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to polling sites. Bradley cited federal laws, some dating back to the Civil War era, that expressly prohibit federal troops or agents from interfering in elections. He advised election officials to reject any instructions from federal agents unless accompanied by valid court orders signed by judges, dismissing administrative warrants issued by the Department of Homeland Security as insufficient.

Bradley also mentioned organizations such as the Brennan Center for Justice and the Democracy Defenders Fund as sources of legal and practical support for election officials resisting improper federal involvement. He pointed out that President Trump’s pardon authority does not extend to state-level convictions and suggested that federal officials are unlikely to cover legal costs arising from election-related disputes.

While acknowledging the challenges ahead, Bradley expressed confidence in the integrity and patriotism of election workers nationwide. He concluded by thanking them for their dedication to maintaining free and fair elections amidst increasing political tensions.