Frank LaRose Seeks Leadership of Cybersecurity Agency Under Incoming Trump Team
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has expressed interest in securing the top cybersecurity and elections position within the incoming Trump administration, according to multiple sources close to the matter. LaRose, a Republican, has indicated in recent conversations that he is pursuing the role of director for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). These discussions have been shared by four individuals who spoke on condition of anonymity.
LaRose has not responded to requests for comment on the matter. When asked about any communication between the Trump-Vance transition team and LaRose, spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that decisions regarding personnel would be announced at a later time.
LaRose, a former Ohio state senator, has emerged as a prominent candidate for the position, thanks to his popularity within the Republican Party and his credentials as Ohio’s top election official since 2019. His background in both cybersecurity and elections aligns with the GOP’s priorities for securing the nation’s infrastructure, making him a strong contender for the job.
CISA, established by President Donald Trump in 2018, is tasked with defending U.S. federal networks and critical infrastructure from cyberattacks and physical threats. The agency, with an annual budget of $3 billion, faced criticism from some Republicans following the 2020 election, where it was accused of censoring conservative voices by addressing misinformation related to the vote. These allegations were dismissed by the Supreme Court earlier this year. However, conservative groups, including the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, have called for a more focused mandate for CISA, specifically limiting its activities to infrastructure protection.
LaRose, who has been an outspoken advocate for tighter election security, could also support the GOP’s push to prevent noncitizens from voting in federal elections. In September, he testified in favor of the SAVE Act, a voter ID bill supported by House Speaker Mike Johnson and Trump. While noncitizen voting is rare, the bill emphasizes the need for government-issued identification to vote, a measure that has broad support among the American public.
In his role as Ohio’s election chief, LaRose has proactively addressed cybersecurity issues, but his limited experience in broader security matters could be seen as a potential drawback in his candidacy for the CISA role. The position, which requires Senate confirmation, has been held by individuals with extensive experience in corporate and digital security, such as former directors Chris Krebs and Jen Easterly.
In addition to his interest in CISA, LaRose is also considered a potential candidate for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Vice President-elect JD Vance. LaRose previously served in the Ohio Senate from 2011 to 2018 and was endorsed by Trump during his 2022 reelection campaign.
