Protecting the Protectors: How ADT Supports Public Servant Safety

As violence, threats and intimidation targeting political candidates and elected officials have increased, many elected officials have raised safety concerns for themselves, their staff and their families. One need only to pick up a newspaper to see that threats against elected officials are on the rise. The Brennan Center for Justice reports that more than 40% of state legislators nationwide have experienced threats or attacks in recent years. Earlier this year, the U.S. Capitol Police reported a 50% increase in threats to members of Congress, their staff, and the Capitol building in 2025 compared to the prior year.

The concern for safety among public officials has only grown after the horrific murders of Minnesota Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the attempted murder of Minnesota Senator John Hoffman and his wife.

While all candidates for federal office are permitted to use campaign funds to pay for security, only a handful of states allow state and local candidates to use campaign funds for security services. Practically, what this means is that candidates from states that do not permit the use of campaign funds for security must either pay out of pocket to protect their families and themselves or possibly remove themselves from the public policy arena. Safety concerns should never prevent someone from pursuing a career in public service.

Late last year, ADT joined forces with other leaders in the security industry in a coordinated, industrywide effort to provide candidates and officials with the tools and resources they need to better protect their families, their staff, and themselves. Based on best practices from around the country, model legislation was created, titled the Safeguarding Election Candidates Using Reasonable Expenditures (SECURE) Act. This legislation, which can be customized for any jurisdiction, permits candidates for state or local office to use campaign funds to pay for security improvements to their home or office to better protect their families, their staff, and themselves should a threat arise. The legislation has already been introduced in 16 states.

Regardless of political beliefs, no one should have to choose between the safety of their family and their right to engage in the political process. If committed individuals are driven out of politics by fear, we will all miss out on the unique perspectives they could have brought to the table. The SECURE Act is one way that we at ADT are helping public servants protect themselves and their families while working to represent their communities in the public policy arena.

At ADT, we like to say everyone deserves to feel safe. But we don't just say it; we're taking action to make sure we can protect as many people as possible, regardless of political affiliation.

By contributing our expertise, advocating for sound, pro-security policies, and working collaboratively with lawmakers and industry partners, ADT is helping ensure that those who serve their communities can do so with greater peace of mind.

Holly Borg mann is ADT's Vice President for Government Affairs a nd Chair of the Electronic Security Association's Government Affairs Committee.